TEHRAN – Israel’s recent airstrikes in Iran were launched early on Friday morning without warning, killing dozens of civilians, particularly in parts of Tehran and central Iran, and abandoning homes.
The most pressing and visible consequence of the airstrike is the destruction of civilian life and property. But it’s equally impressive to see them awake. A wave of public mourning, widespread anger towards Israel, and an unmistakable surge in grassroots unity and rebellion across Iran.
Rather than spreading fear and chaos, the attack appears to have solidified the nation’s resolve and created rare moments of unity. The public’s rage over the killing of civilians, nuclear scientists and military authorities has united a wide range of Iranians across political and generational boundaries, denounced foreign attacks.
On Saturday, thousands of people poured into the streets of cities large and small during a national gathering in Eid Al-Gadir. What is traditionally a religious celebration marked the designation of Imam Ali of Prophet Muhammad when his successor quickly transformed into an opportunity for collective resistance. Flags expressing their grief towards the victims were held alongside religious symbols, and chants for foreign interventions echoed through the city centre.
In Tehran, Ali, a 23-year-old university student, said he had no plans to attend the rally at first. “But after what happened on Friday, I knew I had to come,” he said. “This is more than politics now. It’s about our people, our homes, our dignity.”
Speaking on Saturday night, Mohammad Reza Alev’s first vice president praised Iranians for what he called their “courageous and conscious” response. “The passionate and meaningful participation of the brave and foreshadowing people of our nation at a rally where Eid al-Gadir demonstrates their courage and strength,” he said. “This public response in the face of war sends a clear message to the world that Iran is united.”
The message is not only rooted in sadness, but also in its claims for sovereignty and the integrity of the state. In cities such as Tehran, Shiraz, Qom and Isfahan, many citizens not only celebrated Eid Al-Ghadir, but also remembered those who lost their lives on the strike, and gathered to show their disgust of the regime killing children.
Social media has also become the focus of mourning and testimony. Iran’s platforms and messaging apps were flooded with images of destroyed homes, bloody tiled bleeds and civilian casualties.
There was a particularly unforgettable moment when an Iranian journalist visited a residential building that was bombed by Tehran. Standing among the ruins, she showed the bloody dress to which the child belonged, along with dusty toys and photographs. Her voice, which broke slightly during the broadcast, said, “This is what they bombed. It’s not the base. It’s the bedroom.”
Israeli attacks have spread far beyond residential areas. Several locations in Iran, including military facilities, infrastructure and nuclear sites, were also attacked. Tehran describes the attack as a massive act of military attacks.
Global condemnation has continued quickly, as several governments and international organizations criticised Israel’s actions and called for restraint.
In response, Iran began a retaliation operation late Friday night. A volley of missiles was fired towards Israeli positions on the occupied Palestinian territory. The operation began shortly after a broadcast speech by the leaders of the Islamic Revolution. Ayatollahs have sought Ali Khamenei and vowed that the Israeli regime will be “powerless” in the face of Iran’s reaction.
Since then, Iranian officials have warned that further attacks will be filled with even stronger and more decisive reactions.
Among the martyrs in the Israeli attacks were several senior soldiers, including Major General Mohammad Bakeli, the chief of staff of the Iranian army. IRGC Commander Hossein Salami. Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, Head of Aerospace, IRGC. General Gholam Ali Rashid, a well-known IRGC commander.
Their deaths deepened the nation’s sadness, but their resolve also strengthened. Despite the tragedy, Iran has made one thing clear. It refuses to break.