In an unexpected development, Iranians both within the country and abroad are criticizing their nation's leadership for launching an unprecedented attack on Israel. The attack, carried out by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), has garnered condemnation from Iranian expatriates living primarily in Western countries such as the United States, Canada, and Germany. Social media platforms, particularly X, have become a platform for this dissent, with many Iranians expressing solidarity with Israel and denouncing the actions of the IRGC.
The attack by the IRGC on Israel, which occurred in response to an earlier assault on an Iranian consular annex in Damascus, has led to significant backlash from Iranians across the globe. Social media analytics indicate a substantial volume of content reflecting criticism of Iran's autocratic regime and sympathy for Israelis among the Iranian diaspora. Additionally, protests and rallies in various countries, including Canada, the United States, Germany, and France, have highlighted Iranian discontent with their government's actions and expressed support for Israel.
The unrest among Iranians stems from a longstanding tension between Iran and Israel, exacerbated by Iran's Islamic revolution in 1979. Iran's leadership, under Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has consistently expressed hostility towards Israel, viewing it as a threat to be eradicated. Israel, in turn, perceives Iran as a significant threat due to its support for anti-Israel proxy forces like Hamas and Hezbollah. This ongoing conflict has intensified in recent years, with both sides engaging in covert attacks and hostile rhetoric.
