lives days of uncertainty in the midst of war and strong control of information. While the country remains in a state of emergency and many cities hear the sound of explosions every night, part of the population expresses contradictory feelings: fear of the conflict, but also hope that the situation open the door to political change.
Reporting from within the country has become extremely difficult. After the start of the war on Saturday, the government completely disconnected the internet. To communicate with the outside world, some citizens resort to satellite connections and virtual private networks.
Among those who oppose the regime there is also a mixture of hope and caution. Iranian activist Mehrab Abbasi explains to the local media that after the January repression, the country was plunged into weeks of silence and collective depression.
However, he assures that the death of the supreme leader caused an unexpected reaction in some cities. According to his testimony, people took to the streets to celebrate. He relates that the night Khamenei died, The neighbors played music and handed out alcoholic drinks, something prohibited in the country.
Still, the personal price is high. Abbasi has lost his job because the company he worked for depends on the internet, which is currently blocked. Before the war began, he bought food for fear that the conflict would drag on and cause shortages.
Waiting for another uprising
Many opponents are aware that bombings alone will hardly bring down the regime. But some believe the conflict could open an opportunity for a new internal uprising. When asked if he would demonstrate again, Abbasi says that “of course. “Everyone I know is waiting for the moment to go out again.”
