Since their country launched an extensive ballistic missile attack against Israel on Tuesday evening, Iranians have expressed a mixture between pride, uncertainty and fears.
Within minutes of the start of the attack, Persian social media channels were flooded with videos of the missiles flashing overhead.
Iran’s State Television broadcast pictures of people cheering in the streets, waving their flags and chanting ‘Death to Israel.
The mood online was quite different, as not everyone expressed support for the attack.
After decades of keeping their conflict in the shadows, some shared tense moments and heated discussions about a potential war between the arch-foes.
The contradictory reactions revealed the deep divisions within Iran, where there are widespread discontent with the clerical regime and frustration at the economic hardships caused by sanctions.
On one side, there are those who are proudly nationalists and support the government, while on another, there are those who are afraid of war, economic collapse, and further suppression of reform movements at home.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards claimed that the missile strike on Tuesday successfully targeted Israeli military bases and intelligence services and was a retaliation to recent killings by its allies Hamas, and Hezbollah.
The Israeli military described this attack as “indiscriminate”. They said that although it was largely stopped by air defences there were casualties, and that millions of Israelis were sent to bomb shelters.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s Prime Minister, has warned Iran that it will pay for its “big mistake”.
The attack was a proud moment for many supporters of the Iranian Government.
“Bravo [to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ayatollah] Ali Khamenei!” “Bravo to the Revolutionary Guards!” shouted one young woman in an online video clip.
This sentiment frustrates other Iranians online.
In a video posted on social media, a man in his mid-twenties pleaded: “Please make a distinction between the people and Revolutionary Guards. We are under enormous pressure.”
Some Iranians believed the strike was an unnecessary provocation that would only make their lives worse.
“We are the ones who suffer because we have no choice other than to protect our country,” said a resident of Tehran, the capital.
Rumours circulated in the hours following the strikes that Israel would respond by attacking Iran’s oil infrastructure. This is an important part to the country’s economic system.
Videos showed petrol stations crowded with people, as they rushed for their vehicles to be filled, fearing future shortages.
The missile attack has also dimmed hopes for diplomatic progress between the West and other countries of the region.
The moderates were encouraged by the election of Masoud Peshkian in July. Some people saw him a potential bridge to ease regional tensions.
One BBC Persian viewer, however, lamented the fact that “this attack represents a further step away from diplomacy towards conflict”.
“I am afraid that this war will be used to intensify the crackdown on us, the freedom fighters,” said a young activist, referring to nationwide “Woman, Life, Freedom”, protests which erupted in the past two years.
Many are concerned that a new war could undermine reform calls and empower the government to suppress internal dissent.
This time, unlike after previous escalations there is a growing concern of a possible strong retaliatory reaction from Israel.
Many believe that Israel’s advanced capabilities could cause unprecedented destruction in the event of a full-scale conflict.
“No one wants war. Not the people, and not even the officials,” commented a commentator in social media.
This feeling of vulnerability has made it feel more precarious.
Some people have even called for a regime change amid the rising tensions.
Another BBC News Persian viewer said, “The only way to rescue Iran is not by war, but by toppling the regime,” urging the West in their struggle against government.
Many people believe that the future of the country should be decided by the citizens themselves, without any outside interference, to avoid the chaos that could be caused by such an intervention.
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