How Iranians See the War

This episode of The Daily explores how ordinary Iranians are experiencing the ongoing war between Iran and a U.S.-Israel coalition, following President Trump's dramatic call for the Iranian people to rise up against their government. Reporter Claire Tennesketter shares intimate, first-hand accounts from two Iranians with opposing perspectives: Si, a former activist who fled Iran before the war and now questions the effectiveness of protest after witnessing state violence and a failed uprising; and F, a translator and musician who chose quiet, internal resistance over rebellion, believing change must come from within. While Si feels disillusioned by the failure of mass protests and now hopes for external military action to dismantle the regime, F remains deeply committed to Iran, rejecting foreign intervention despite its brutality, and sees hope in small acts of defiance like women removing their hijabs and singing publicly. The episode reveals a nation fractured by war, where the absence of communication, widespread destruction, and deep ideological divides have reshaped personal beliefs about resistance, hope, and national identity. Despite the trauma, both individuals hold onto fragile hope—Si in the possibility of renewed conflict, F in the resilience of everyday life and cultural expression. The episode underscores the complexity of political change in Iran, contrasting the futility of violent protest with the power of subtle, persistent resistance. It challenges the Western narrative of revolution by showing how many Iranians, especially those who have lived under repression, now view foreign intervention with suspicion and prioritize internal transformation. The ceasefire brings mixed emotions—relief for survival, but anxiety about what comes next. Ultimately, the stories of Si and F reveal that the war is not just a geopolitical conflict, but a deeply personal struggle over identity, freedom, and the meaning of home.