Waiting for the Storm: Iranians Pray for a US Strike to Topple the Regime

In the heart of Tehran and Mashhad, a different kind of tension is rising alongside the news of the approaching American armada. While the global community watches with bated breath, many Iranian citizens are privately expressing a sentiment that defies conventional logic: they are desperate for the war to begin. Following the conclusion of the 40-day mourning period for the thousands of young protesters slaughtered by the regime, the Iranian street is increasingly looking toward President Donald Trump to fulfill his promise of military action. In exclusive interviews, residents of the Islamic Republic revealed that they view a large-scale strike as their only remaining hope for liberation, fearing that a diplomatic deal would only serve to provide the "mullahs" with more time to cement their bloody grip on power.

The Fear of Peace

For many Iranians, the prospect of a renewed nuclear agreement is more terrifying than the prospect of war. Sona, a resident of Tehran, explained that she has been waiting impatiently for a military move against the Republic. "I am naturally stressed right now, but not because of war, but because of the possibility that an agreement will be signed that will prevent the attack," she said. Sona argues that there is no war more dangerous for the Iranian people than the continued existence of the current regime. After witnessing a "complete massacre in the street" just over a month ago, she believes the anger and pain of the population have reached a breaking point.

In Mashhad, Alireza reported that protests have already begun to flicker back to life despite the threat of mass arrests and summary executions. He noted that over 400 people were recently arrested in a single village just for holding a mourning ceremony. Alireza’s message to the West is clear: "We are still waiting for Trump's promise when he said, 'Our finger is on the trigger.'" He views American military support as the essential ingredient to complete the "unfinished business" of the tens of thousands of young people who have been killed.

A Message to Israel and the World

The connection between the Iranian people and their regional neighbors has never been more apparent than in their shared struggle against radicalism. Alireza issued a direct plea to the people of Israel, asking them to remain the voice of the Iranian people. "We are in a war against radical Islam, which you have been fighting for years. Our victory is your victory. Pray for us. Long live Iran," he stated. This sentiment is echoed by Hamid in Tehran, who described a collapsing economy and an atmosphere of total distrust in the Geneva negotiations. Hamid believes the regime is merely playing for time, while the US is using the talks as a final justification for the inevitable strike.

While the citizens inside Iran pray for a "decisive and final war" that targets the leadership without destroying essential infrastructure, the Iranian diaspora in Geneva is making its voice heard outside the diplomatic summits. Protesters gathered at the Omani ambassador’s residence, screaming at the "red carpet" treatment given to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. They shared harrowing accounts of security forces entering hospitals to shoot wounded protesters in their beds to prevent them from becoming official statistics of execution. "They are killing children, they are killing 14 and 15 year old girls. Stop negotiating with them!" shouted Hossein Amini, whose family members were murdered by the regime. For these exiles and the millions they represent back home, the only acceptable outcome of the current 24-hour countdown is the total removal of the "despicable Islamic Republic."