Following the recent US-Israeli airstrikes over Iran, many Iranians like Yasna, a dentist from Tehran, initially felt a sense of optimism, believing the strikes could mark the beginning of the end for their oppressive regime. However, as the conflict continues, that initial optimism has begun to wane, replaced by a growing fear that the prolonged violence could solidify the regime's grip on power. Yasna expressed a common sentiment among her peers, indicating that a worse outcome than the ongoing missile strikes would be an enduring Islamic regime, potentially leading to greater violence and repression against dissenters.

As airstrikes persist, a troubling trend is emerging: rather than weakening the regime, the attacks appear to be fostering a stronger sense of national unity among Iranians. Many citizens, though opposed to their government, fear that the external aggression may push them to support the regime in a bid for national security and stability. This form of tumultuous patriotism could secure the regime's position even as discontent simmers beneath the surface.