One Iranian dads thoughts on the situation in the Middle East

This is for the neighbors, friends, parents of my kids friends, colleagues, students, and the last 5 Uber drivers...all of whom have asked me my thoughts on the evolving situation in the Middle East.  Because Iran just launched hundreds of missiles into Israel, Israel responded, and the assault on Gaza continues unabated.... people are wondering if we're on the cusp of World War 3. And of course, they want to ask me...because, well, I'm Iranian. And I don't say that with any attitude by the way. I'm not the least bit offended or put off that people check in with me about the politics of the Middle East, the same way I'm happy to answer questions about the best kabob in the city. On the contrary, it’s flattering and a sign that people pay attention and want to learn more. And everyone wants good kabob. Anyway, here are some quick thoughts...

First, I'm no expert.  I'm writing and talking to you as a person who follows the news just like the next guy. I do have family in Iran. And I have written before about my thoughts on the war in Palestine.  But I'm not writing as an expert...whatever I say here, take it or leave it.

A couple of days ago, before the latest Israeli missile attack on Isfahan: My Afro-Latino friend, a parent at my son’s elementary school, b-lined to me on the playground after school. In a thick accent, "What’s happening in Iran?"  "Do you think Israel will retaliate?" Before I could respond, he went on, "I mean...I would...I hope they don't, but I would..."  to which I had to remind him that Israel had indeed struck first by attacking an Iranian embassy taking out several high-ranking officials. So if we're gonna play the who did what to who first game...I'm just saying, that usually doesn't work out well for Israel.

So, does that mean I'm in favor of Iran launching missiles into Israel?  Short answer/obvious answer: no. That’s a bizarre question to begin with but let’s go with it for a moment because people do seem to think along those lines.  And I've seen some videos of various activist groups in the US celebrating, as well as videos of people in Iran cheering at the spectacle of missiles launched in the sky headed toward cities across Israel including Tel Aviv.

For some, Iran’s attack on Israel is viewed as support for Palestine, and therefore somehow morally acceptable. And while I don't agree with that interpretation, I can understand how some would view Iran's support for Palestine as admirable, given how rare and risky support for Palestine is. But, I must say, I deeply doubt Iran's military strike is motivated by any actual concern for Palestine or the Palestinian people. I'm sure there are all kinds of other political calculus, but moral concern for or solidarity with the people of Gaza is not one of them. As a non-expert, I can assure you of that.

Personally, I'm not going to cheer at missiles being launched anywhere by anyone. I hear a lot of discussion about geopolitical strategy. Like this is all just a chess game. Everyone seems to have forgotten about the 7-year-old Arab-Israeli girl who almost died from shrapnel during the Iranian missile and drone attack on Israel. Last I heard her health had improved and she was breathing on her own, yet still in critical condition at the Soroka Medical Center in Israel. My son turns 7 in a few weeks. I'm praying for that little girl and her family, and all the families in this fraught region of the world. Do we know how many children have died in Gaza since Oct 7? That’s a serious question. Do we even have a ballpark number in our mind? Something to ponder before commenting on geopolitical strategy or whatever…

In terms of reactions in Iran to the strike on Israel, I strongly suspect any pro-government demonstration in favor of the attacks to have been staged by the government. A government, I remind you, that is viewed by most of its own people as fraudulent and illegitimate. I can tell you my family in Iran wasn't cheering the launching of missiles into a nuclear-powered Israel. Most people were just afraid of the prospect of a deadly war. Wouldn't you be afraid? I remind you, bombs dropping on Iranian soil is not a theoretical concern for us. Bombs have broken Iranian soil in my lifetime. That’s why I'm here in the US, writing this essay in English. I seriously doubt there is any substantial swath of Iranians cheering on their government for bringing them closer to war with a regional nuclear superpower...Sorry, but we're not stupid.

On the day of the missile strikes, my phone blew up with text messages from friends urging me to take caution. A lot of us keenly remember the 6-year-old Palestinian boy, Wadea Al Fayoume, who was ruthlessly murdered in his home by a racist maniac landlord who was seeking revenge for the Oct 7 Hamas attack on Israel. As a parent of three little boys growing up in Chicagoland, I'll never forget Wadea's story. I take my boys to the Chicago Persian School every Sunday. Just this morning, I received an email from the principal that the school received an angry voicemail expressing hate towards Iranians following the missile attack on Israel. The school has called in local police to monitor the school, and some of the parents are asking to go virtual for the remainder of the year. All of this, I add, right here in liberal Chicago.

So that’s a bit about how I’m processing what’s going on right now in the Middle East. If you wanted an Iranian perspective, specifically an Iranian dad’s perspective,I've given you mine. Share it with your friends, and add a comment if you like. I'd love to hear your thoughts or reactions.

Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash