Israeli aggression uniting Iranians, including opposition: NYT
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Former Iranian Vice President Mohammad Ali Abtahi tells The New York Times that “Israel” underestimated Iran’s unified war response, as nationalism surges and citizens across divides show solidarity amid war.
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Iranian protestors carry portrait of Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei and anti-Israeli signs during a protest to condemn Israeli attacks on multiple cities across Iran, June 20, 2025. (AP)
Reformist political figure and former Iranian Vice President Mohammad Ali Abtahi stated Saturday that “Israel” miscalculated the Iranian public’s response to the ongoing war. In a phone interview from Tehran with The New York Times, Abtahi said that typically divided political factions had unified in defense of the nation and rallied around the leadership of the Islamic Republic.
The political factions focused the country’s energy on defending itself from any external threat, he said, adding that the war "softened the divisions we had, both among each other and with the general public."
According to the NYT, the Israeli aggression has reignited a strong sense of nationalism among many Iranians, both inside the country and abroad, including many critics of the government.
Iran's soil 'a red line'
The newspaper noted that this collective sense of purpose is evident in a flood of social media posts and public declarations by prominent human rights advocates, political activists, doctors, athletes, artists, and celebrities.
National football team player Saeid Ezatolahi posted, “Like family, we may not always agree, but Iran’s soil is our red line.”
Iranian media and social media videos showed hotels, guesthouses, and wedding halls opening their doors for free to shelter those displaced from Tehran.
Read more: Iranians rally in support of homeland in 'Friday of Rage and Victory'
Psychologists are offering free virtual therapy sessions, while major retailers have introduced discounts, and volunteers have stepped up by running errands and checking in on the elderly and people with disabilities.
Reza, a 42-year-old businessman, commented on the profound solidarity seen among the people of Iran, saying, “It’s hard to explain the mood. We are scared, but we are also giving each other solidarity, love, and kindness. We are in it together. This is an attack on our country, on Iran.”
"Let them kill us", say #Iranians who refuse to flee Tehran.
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) June 21, 2025
Here is why the Iranians will not abandon their beloved capital ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/AlSAeQgFC2
