The Consequences are Undesirable, Even in the Case of Victory
Iran, a country with a rich history, has always witnessed numerous wars. Regardless of their outcomes or the tendencies of the Iranian people, these wars have left irreparable marks on the body of the nation—marks that have become increasingly evident over time, especially in the decades following the eight-year Iran-Iraq war.
During that war, the Iranian government made numerous numbered threats and promises to its citizens, neglecting the fact that the people of Iran would ultimately bear the brunt of the conflict, serving effectively as human shields.
The consequences were devastating across all sectors:
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Human toll: loss of life, displacement, psychological trauma, and the disintegration of families
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Social damage: disruption of education, healthcare, justice, and security; rising violence
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Economic impact: destruction of infrastructure, recession, and widespread poverty
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Cultural harm: loss of historical heritage, promotion of a culture of violence and glorification of war
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Environmental consequences: pollution of natural resources, damage to forests, rangelands, and biodiversity
Given the violent suppression by the Islamic Republic of Iran in response to recent protests—including those of December 2017, November 2019, the downing of the Ukrainian plane, and the 2022 “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement, the public’s reactions are entirely understandable.
Nonetheless, on the first day of the recent war, due to urban unpreparedness, such as a lack of reliable shelters—several children and civilians lost their lives in the attacks. These losses could have been prevented by the state. Attacks on locations like Natanz, Tabriz, and densely populated neighborhoods in Tehran (where officials reside) have led to civilian casualties. Some segments of the population, by supporting the continuation of this conflict, may unwittingly contribute to further loss of Iranian lives.
The government’s response is both astonishing and alarming. Instead of addressing the current conditions and changing course, it has prioritized issuing international threats, which will only worsen the situation. At the same time, officials have disrupted internet access and intimidated citizens into refraining from sharing content related to recent events on social media, a predictable and recurring approach, reminiscent of the state’s behavior during previous civil protests. During those times, many protesters were arrested, injured, or killed by military forces, and numerous journalists and media activists were detained on charges of spreading falsehoods or alleged ties to hostile governments.
A Superficial Peace – The Lingering Consequences of War in Iran
Despite the ceasefire declared between Iran and Israel and the temporary halt in hostilities, the heavy consequences of the war continue to cast a shadow over the lives of the Iranian people and the country’s standing on the international stage. Contrary to popular belief, the end of war does not mark the end of crisis—it marks the beginning of new and difficult challenges:
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Escalation of sanctions and economic pressure, exacerbating stagnation and inflation
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Massive reconstruction costs amid a fragile economy, ultimately burdening the people
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Growing public dissatisfaction and mistrust in the government due to human and social losses
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Harsher domestic repression to preempt future protests, through internet restrictions, arrests, and threats to activists
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Further diplomatic isolation and a weakening of Iran’s international image as a destabilizing actor in the region
In the end, though the guns may have fallen silent for now, the deep wounds of this war will linger across the people, economy, and future of Iran. A government that chooses threats and suppression over reform offers no hopeful horizon for its people.
- UNESCO 2030 Agenda – Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights – Article 3: The Right to Life, Liberty, and Security
- Geneva Conventions and The Hague – Prohibition of Targeting Civilians in War
Defense of Human Rights Association in Iran
Asia and East Europe Region Representation
Translated by Alireza Jahan Bin
