The Iran-Israel Crisis: Separating Fact from Propaganda
As the conflict between Israel and Iran escalates into open warfare, the world watches with concern and confusion. Israeli strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities and leadership have resulted in hundreds of casualties, while Iran’s missile attacks have left Israeli civilians dead and widespread destruction in their wake. Meanwhile, Iran’s government has shut down the internet within its borders, effectively silencing its citizens and hiding the full scope of the violence.
Amidst the chaos, a troubling trend has emerged in parts of the global media and public discourse: an increasing tendency to sympathize with Iran’s regime, portraying it as a victim or misunderstood nation. This narrative is dangerous and often misleading. It obscures the reality of Iran’s history of violence, internal repression, and regional destabilization.
The Current Conflict: A Brief Overview
Last week, the UN nuclear watchdog found Iran failing to meet its nuclear non-proliferation obligations for the first time in 20 years. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) cited a lack of cooperation from Iran and raised concerns over secret activities and undeclared nuclear material. Over the past few months, Iran has also given the U.S. administration a difficult time in coming together for a deal and with each passing month, Iran comes closer and closer to creating nuclear grade weapons. Israel, fearful of another October 7th attack, took matters into its own hands and targeted strikes on Iran’s nuclear program, aiming to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Israel launched these strikes on June 12, hitting key facilities like Natanz and other sites critical to Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. Since then, Iran has responded with missile attacks on Israeli territory, resulting in casualties on both sides. As of now, over 220 Iranians and 24 Israelis have been reported killed, with many more injured.
This escalation has spiraled into a full-blown aerial conflict, with both sides suffering significant losses. Iran’s government has shut down internet access across the country, making it nearly impossible to gauge the full extent of civilian suffering or internal unrest. The blackout also prevents the international community from fully understanding the internal dynamics within Iran during this crisis.
In the face of this escalating violence, some media outlets and international voices have attempted to frame Iran as a victim, or worse, as a misunderstood nation fighting for its sovereignty. While it’s important to acknowledge the suffering of ordinary Iranians caught in the crossfire, it’s equally vital to distinguish between the Iranian people and their oppressive regime.
The truth is that Iran’s government, led by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, has a long history of violence, repression, and international hostility. The regime chants “death to America” and “death to Israel” openly, and it actively supports terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, destabilizing the Middle East. Iran’s government is responsible for the deaths of thousands of its own citizens. Many human rights organizations have documented mass executions, brutal crackdowns on protests, and the imprisonment of political dissidents. The regime’s brutality extends to internal repression, where dissenters are often tortured, silenced, or killed. The IRGC’s use of violence against its own people underscores its dangerous nature. It does not merely threaten Israel or the West; it actively oppresses and kills its own citizens to maintain power.
There are those who, out of a desire to see peace or to oppose Western intervention, attempt to romanticize or justify Iran’s government. They argue that Iran is merely defending itself or resisting Western imperialism. Iran’s leadership has demonstrated a consistent willingness to pursue nuclear weapons, despite international sanctions and agreements. The regime’s pursuit of nuclear capability threatens not only Israel but also the wider region and potentially the world. Trusting a regime that openly calls for the destruction of other nations and continues to develop nuclear technology is a grave mistake.
It’s understandable to be against another war in the Middle East, it’s ok to disagree with the leadership of Israel and be against certain decisions it makes. But these points can be made while also still recognizing the dangers of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Iranians are not their government. You can stand strong with the Iranian people and make sure their safety is prioritized while also calling out the Iranian government for its destructive actions.
Iran’s regime is responsible for regional instability, support for terrorist groups, and internal repression. It has repeatedly demonstrated its willingness to pursue nuclear weapons, which could be used to threaten entire nations. To downplay these threats or to lionize Iran’s leadership is to ignore the very real danger they pose. We should remain vigilant and critical of narratives that attempt to paint Iran as a victim or an oppressed nation. The truth is that Iran’s leadership, especially the IRGC, has consistently prioritized its own power and expansion over peace and human rights. Supporting peace and stability means recognizing this reality and holding Iran accountable for its actions.
The path to peace in the Middle East begins with a clear understanding of who the real enemies are — and ensuring that we do not fall prey to misleading narratives that serve only the interests of oppressive regimes.