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Newsweek

Iranians Unite Under Israeli Attack

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. As Israeli missiles continue to strike Iran, residents across Tehran and other major cities are taking shelter in basements, metro stations, and underground garages. Amid the ongoing uncertainty and fear, a powerful sense of defiance and community has emerged. "We don't care about governments, we will always defend our country," one Tehran resident told Newsweek. Rather than fracture under fear, Iranians are coming together—sharing food, information, and shelter—to withstand the crisis. Why It Matters While headlines focus on the military clash between Iran and Israel, the war's most immediate impact is felt in the daily lives of civilians. With trust in official institutions already low, many Iranians are turning to grassroots cooperation and mutual aid to stay safe and informed. Decades of sanctions, unrest, and authoritarian rule have forged deep social bonds often overlooked by outsiders. And while some abroad had hoped foreign pressure might trigger an uprising, the strikes have instead unified many Iranians in mutual support and to defend the country — even those who do not instinctively support its current rulers. A man flashes a victory sign while riding his motorbike past an anti-Israeli banner depicting Iranian soldiers heading to attack Israeli territory, at Islamic Revolution Square in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 14, 2025. A man flashes a victory sign while riding his motorbike past an anti-Israeli banner depicting Iranian soldiers heading to attack Israeli territory, at Islamic Revolution Square in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 14, 2025. Vahid Salemi/AP Photo What To Know Those who spoke to Newsweek from within Iran requested anonymity due to security concerns. Still, their voices paint a vivid picture of resilience. One resident of northern Tehran described how their family welcomed neighbors into their underground basement after they heard nearby explosions. "We stayed together, to support each other," the person said. Feelings on the ground range from dread to determination. While many Iranians have left Tehran amid ongoing turmoil, those who remain are resolute in their commitment to stay and support one another. One shopkeeper said he would not abandon his city: "We'll protect our homes, however we can." A recent video posted on X by user @amirrezaazadeh1 shows a man and his daughter handing out cold drinks to people waiting in long lines for gas, a simple act that reflects the growing spirit of community support. نمیدونم چرا ولی از وقتی این ویدئو رو دیدم دارم اشک میریزم... فقط زیبایی ببینید! — 🇮🇷امیررضا آزاده (@amirrezaazadeh1) June 18, 2025 Diaspora Voices Echo Unity Arash Azizi, an Iranian historian and author of "What Iranians Want: Women, Life, Freedom," based in New York, noted in a recent Washington Post op-ed that Israeli attacks "primarily harm civilians." He explained that instead of sparking rebellion, the strikes have united various domestic dissident movements against both the Iranian regime and foreign aggression. Azizi added, "Instead of bringing down [Supreme Leader] Khamenei, Iranians are engaging in mutual aid and solidarity with their fellow citizens." Iran Rallies Meanwhile on Friday, thousands of Iranians took to the streets of Tehran and other cities to protest against Israel. Images broadcast on Iranian state TV showed large crowds walking through the streets of the capital. Some protesters carried pictures of Iranian commanders killed by Israel since the start of the conflict. Large-scale demonstrations dubbed "Victory and Anger" took place simultaneously across Tehran and other cities following Friday prayers, organizers reported. Iranian worshippers wave Iranian flags as one holds up a poster of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a protest against Israeli attacks on multiple cities across Iran, after the Friday prayers ceremonies in... Iranian worshippers wave Iranian flags as one holds up a poster of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a protest against Israeli attacks on multiple cities across Iran, after the Friday prayers ceremonies in downtown Tehran, Iran, Friday, June 20, 2025. More Vahid Salemi/AP Photo What Happens Next As the deadly conflict between Israel and Iran continues, grassroots unity among Iranians remains uncertain but resilient. Politically, Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has ruled out talks with the U.S. while Israeli attacks persist, though he remains open to dialogue with European powers—stressing no negotiations can happen amid ongoing aggression.