The sudden Israeli airstrikes targeting multiple locations in Iran have incited a wave of mixed reactions ranging from celebrations among certain Iranian expatriates to grave concerns over the risk of escalating into a full-scale war. Among those reportedly killed in the attacks was Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which drew a welcoming response from opposition figures.
Canadian lawyer Kaveh Shahrooz remarked on social media, expressing relief at the news of Salami’s demise, alluding to his role in the tragic downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752. In contrast, activist Nazanin Boniadi cautioned that everyday Iranians, already suffering under economic and governmental pressures, now face the imminent danger of war. She emphasized that there were alternative routes available that could empower the people without resorting to violence.
Political activist Hamid Ismailoon highlighted the irony of a regime that justifies its violent past as a means of self-defense, pointing out that the fallout of such policies has now turned against them. He shared a vision of a world better without such damaging figures wielding power in Iran.
Ben Rhodes, former deputy national security advisor to President Barack Obama, labeled the airstrikes as “meaningless,” warning that they risk obliterating any last remnants of diplomatic progress. Similarly, analyst Arash Azizi questioned the logic behind the attacks just days before planned discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear program, stressing the potential for diplomatic channels to be severely undermined.
Responses from U.S. political figures varied widely, with Senator John Fetterman expressing a brief acknowledgment of Salami’s death, while activist Masih Alinejad described his removal as a step toward justice for the innocents lost. Alinejad criticized the Iranian regime for prioritizing militarization over addressing public needs, framing the government as an enemy of freedom for the Iranian populace.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy voiced his concerns over the rising tensions in the Middle East, calling for restraint from all parties involved. Republican Senator Tom Cotton emphasized Iran’s status as a significant state sponsor of terrorism and assured unwavering support for Israel in its defense actions.
Despite the grave situation depicted by various commentators, there is a glimmer of hope that these events could lead to a reevaluation of strategies among the Iranian opposition and international community alike, potentially opening new avenues for constructive dialogue to secure peace and stability in the region.