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An iranian expat here. I have been following the news closely, mostly getting my data from my friends in Iran before the internet shutdown and after it was (sor

An iranian expat here. I have been following the news closely, mostly getting my data from my friends in Iran before the internet shutdown and after it was (sort of) lifted. The death toll is way above this number, you have to consider the fact that Iran is a big country with many small cities, and in my city alone (which is very small and rarely has any protest going on) many people have died (i don’t have the exact numbers but it could be anywhere between 100 to 200) and when you put this into perspective you will understand that in scale of the entire country a lot of people have died. I have heard that not only they killed people on the street but they have chased those who fled and killded them at their places or hidings, let alone the killing of the injured ones in hospitals. It’s is a big tragedy and people are reluctant to talk about it because those who are committing this massacre are MUSLIMS and support PALESTINE so this is a moral dilemma for the left lovers! because they see Mullah’s regime as one of their biggest allies when it comes to attack West/Israel/Free market It’s a shame that all those activist that would shred themselves for Palestine are absolutely quite about Iran

justonceokay 8mo ago
lol @ “west/israel/free market”. I think you have an aliasing bug. Why would leftists (or anyone) be confused who the bad guy is here? Generally as a rule of thumb for international conflict you can count on the left to be on the side of the underdog, no matter how naive a view that may be in a given circumstance.
- dorian-graph 8mo ago
  > Why would leftists (or anyone) be confused who the bad guy is here? Because there are literally pro-Palestine protests that have supporters of Iran's supreme leader[1]. I've seen a lot of comments and sentiment from leftists in support of Iran. What bug(s) do you have, that you didn't know this? [1]: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-04/international-reactions-to-pro-palestinian-march-sydney-bridge/105609688 https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-04/international-reactio...
  - justonceokay 8mo ago
    Because someone held a flag in austrailia 8 months before this current Iranian conflict, you assume “the left” (globally!?) is in support of the Ayatollah? Even more rich because Iran is currently massacring their /leftist/ population who were protesting for rights like /free markets/. How does that dissonance feel to you?
    - dorian-graph 8mo ago
      > you assume “the left” (globally!?) is in support of the Ayatollah? Where did I imply that, justonceokay? And no, I don't think every leftist supports the Ayatollah. Do you think every leftist, globally, doesn't support them? I was as vague as you were, in referring to leftists. I gave a concrete example of there being confusion about who the bad guys, since you questioned why leftists (or anyone) would be confused.
zrn900 8mo ago
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- deleted 8mo ago
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noah_buddy 8mo ago
It’s very strange to go “why isn’t the left doing anything about this conflict when they cared so much about Palestine?” My government doesn’t fund Iran.
- flyinglizard 8mo ago
  Your government doesn’t fund Israel, either.
  - direwolf20 8mo ago
    Most Western governments fund Israel. The US funds it the most.
    - flyinglizard 8mo ago
      Where’s the data to support your extraordinary claim?
      - direwolf20 8mo ago
        You could start with https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_supplying_arms_to_Israel https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_supplying_ar...
        flyinglizard 8mo ago
        You’ve given a list of countries selling weapons to Israel. If I sell you my car, I am not “funding” you. What an exercise in utter futility.
        direwolf20 8mo ago
        You could also read https://www.cfr.org/articles/us-aid-israel-four-charts https://www.cfr.org/articles/us-aid-israel-four-charts These are just Google results.
        8mo ago
01HNNWZ0MV43FF 8mo ago
Buddy I'd join the right wingers if they weren't wrong about abortion, freedom of religion, gay rights, trans rights, economics, racism, public safety, environmentalism, cars...
- deleted 8mo ago
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- logicchains 8mo ago
  Do you support the Ayatollah on abortion, freedom of religion, gay rights, and trans rights? Some right wingers might want to, but as of now he's the only world leader actively executing people just for homosexuality.
  - wolvoleo 8mo ago
    Of course not. I don't know anyone on the left who has respect for the Iranian regime.
mhitza 8mo ago
> this is a moral dilemma for the left lovers! I think your optics are skewed as to what is seen as "the left" in US centric ways. In my east european part of the world the perspective isn't shaped by ethnicity at all (except when the organized right does anti immigration manifestations), but with disgust of what authoritarians do around the world. The world seems to be in a simmering stage, and the fact that we have our Serbian neighbors continuously protesting for more than a year, dampens ideals of being able to effect change through protests.
FridayoLeary 8mo ago
I came on here to say that point but you said it much better then i ever could. For the record i am unapologetically pro israel, and their actions in Gaza while regrettable were largely unavoidable. What is striking is that the death toll in Iran from a couple of weeks of demonstrations is half as much as what Gaza suffered in 2 years of a devastating war. Even taking into account the difference in population this is shocking. Well done to my fellow Hners for trying to gaslight op that the 2 are not comparable, when everyone here knows what is really behind this anomaly. You have all my sympathy. Even Israelis understand the difference between the regime and the people of Iran. From a practical point of view how do feel the West should respond? Would you welcome American airstrikes? What do you feel about the looming possibility of another conflict with Israel?
- axus 8mo ago
  A lot of people died that did not have to, they are certainly comparable. Russia and Ukraine are a better comparison; Putin says that Ukraine doesn't exist and that he was forced to by NATO, etc. The IRGC had "no choice" if they wanted to remain in power; but they did have a choice.
m4ck_ 8mo ago
I can't say I've ever seen anyone claim Iran as an ally. As usual, plastic smoking perpetually online right wing trolls conflate support for the people in Palestine with support for Iran/Hamas/Hezbollah/whatever the right wing picks as it's bogey man of the day. You are not as serious person. >It’s a shame that all those activist that would shred themselves for Palestine are absolutely quite about Iran Did you consider if there are any differences between the two situations? The money I earn is not being seized to fund the Iranian regime. Government and other organizations in my country are not declaring a blank check in support of the Iranian government; they're not suggesting it's hate speech to merely question the Iranian government's actions and no one is being investigated, arrested, or deported for being skeptical of the Iranian government or it's violence.
diego_moita 8mo ago
I disagree. There are deeper aspects in this tragedy. I don't want to be called "leftist" because I don't want to belong to any tribe. But I do embrace a lot of the humanist ideals of the so called "progressives" and I think they might have some moral ground in here. But feel free to call me whatever you want. In my perspective, the oppression in Iran is different from what is going on in Gaza. It is more like what happens in Belarus, Russia, Cuba, Venezuela, Turkey and Myanmar: it is an authoritarian government killing and oppressing their own people. I am not American but if the American government wants to kill innocent people in Minneapolis that is an American problem that the Americans should solve, because I respect the US sovereignty. OTOH, I am ok with western interference in Gaza because Zionism is a racist project from one ethnicity against other, it is the racist government of a racist people committing genocide against another ethnicity. It isn't an internal issue of a sovereign state as much as apartheid wasn't an internal affair of the South African regime.
- germandiago 8mo ago
  > a lot of the humanist ideals of the so called "progressives" To the best of my knowledge this is not progressive but christian in origin in our westerner societies... never mind you are not a christian. In the west it has been like that historically.
  - rob74 8mo ago
    Right... although you wouldn't know it if you took a look at the current Christian right in the US: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/is-empathy-a-sin-some-conservative-christians-argue-it-can-be https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/is-empathy-a-sin-some-...
    - fhdkweig 8mo ago
      There is some discussion about creating a new term, "Christ-like" to differentiate from the current Christian right. A number of years ago there was a saying WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) that epitomizes the new Christ-like term.
mrtksn 8mo ago
> It’s a shame that all those activist that would shred themselves for Palestine are absolutely quite about Iran That's not a fair position, those people don't have the duty to make every wrong right. As an Iranian expat how much of your time and money did you invest in fixing Iran? Apparently there are 2 million Iranians in US and just over a million in Europe and a million more in the rest of the world. What did the 4 million strong Iranian diaspora did on that matter? That's really an unfortunate statement. I see this talking point from pro-Netanyahu accounts, showing empty university campuses and I wonder if they are demanding right to kill more people under their control(since Iranians killed more people per day and Israel is mission out) or trying to smear the protesters(which I don't see how it make sense, you don't become hypocritical of you don't invest your time and money in every issue).
- germandiago 8mo ago
  I am not sure if they are asking them to more or less suicide when they go meet their relatives. I know iranians in Spain, my country. It is lilely they are not perfectly organized but everyone deserves a life as normal as ours. I support the fact that he comes here to disclose some more information if possible.
- geraneum 8mo ago
  > What did the 4 million strong Iranian diaspora did on that matter The progressive’s version of “why don’t you go back to your country and fix it” in response to someone who’s clearly asking for empathy. This is hilarious.
- Kennel5527 8mo ago
  Unsure of your background here. Though the way you refer to the Iranian diaspora hints at gaps I would fill before contributing further to a discussion pointing back the finger at those who are victims in this case, most of the time still with people back in Iran, and who risk even just going to a protest as they could easily be profiled and effectively ban themselves from ever returning back home, if not altogether risking the lives of people back home. The level of bravery of the Iranians inside the country is off scale, that of those among the Diaspora participating in protests is still huge given the risk. Those not participating too much (very rare!) still millions of times more justifiable than that of people who have nothing to fear from manifesting freely and safely. The calculated cost/benefit calculation that some leftists (me one of them generally - but not in this case) are doing, is just using the wrong calibration weights, “hate for a specific faction/team” rather than just “love for humanity and justice” (which I assume people won’t argue is a leftist pillar).
the_real_cher 8mo ago
A massive proportion of the modern extremist violence around the world I've seen has been Islam. Not all Islam is bad but there's elements like Jihad, and Sharia law, that other religions don't seem to have in modern times.
zasz 8mo ago
So they would be better people if they didn't care about anything? Maybe, instead of getting mad that Palestinians are getting support that you think normal Iranians should get also, you could be constructive, and offer Americans some advice on how to pressure the Iranian government to stop the killing?
epsters 8mo ago
Don't know about who exactly are the 'leftists' you are referring to but here's my take : Palestine : Dont send bombs. Send Aid. Lift blockade so Palestinians dont suffer. Iran : Dont send bombs. Send Aid. Lift sanctions so Iranian people dont suffer. Interested to hear your take regarding the same.
- busterarm 8mo ago
  Lifting sanctions just helps the mullahs flex their power on Iranian civilians. Lifted sanctions means more suffering for Iranian people and people abroad suffering from Iran-funded terrorist groups.
  - krainboltgreene 8mo ago
    This is such an absurd analysis that it is bewildering anyone would post it.
    - busterarm 8mo ago
      Lifting the sanctions doesn't suddenly make their government, regulation or economy stable. Their biggest companies are all government-owned and famously corrupt and mismanaged. This is criticism given from most of the region when the topic of lifting sanctions comes up. Nothing I said is novel or extreme. In fact, we have direct evidence of what happens when those sanctions are lifted from when it was done under the Biden administration. They expanded their nuclear program and expanded funding to their regional proxies to carry out terror campaigns. The Houthis attacked global shipping lines and October 7th happened. That's not theoretical. Btw, I'm of Iranian descent.
      - krainboltgreene 8mo ago
        > Lifting the sanctions doesn't suddenly make their government, regulation or economy stable True we only sanction them because it's funny. I don't really care what descent you are, anyone can have a bad opinion of American foreign policy. There are tons of people right now in America who are Iranian that are screaming for a crazy monarch to take power.
ThinkBeat 8mo ago
Do you believe and call on the United States to bomb Iran. Which is the only real offer on the table. This created absolute hell in Syria, Libya and other nations. Democracy was certainly not delivered. Are you calling for the US to bomb Iran? Or are you against that?
- hersko 8mo ago
  Iran is nothing like Syria or Libya.
- reeredfdfdf 8mo ago
  Syria was an absolute hell under Assad for dissidents, can't blame America for that. Iraq and Libya maybe, though Saddam and Gaddafi weren't exactly great leaders to their people either. Anyway, IMO the thing about Iran is that it's mostly Shia, and the population isn't that religious, especially not in cities. Unlike Syria, Iraq and Libya of the past, they aren't ruled by a secular dictatorship, but religious extremists. So, while US intervention in Iraq, Libya and so on created space for religious extremists to rise, I think getting rid of Iranian government could actually do the opposite - give a chance for secular opposition to rise.
  - FilosofumRex 8mo ago
    > Each program has a fixed authorization period (for example, the 2003–2016 framework for up to 9 billion USD, with about 3.8 billion remaining by the last extension you mean, the US should repeat 1953 coup with the hope the outcome would be different. Communists and most military dictators in modern history have been secular...
  - ThinkBeat 8mo ago
    > Syria was an absolute hell under Assad for dissidents, And now its an absolute hell for everyone. Is that really progress? Humanitarian Crisis: Over 60% of the population faces food insecurity. Millions are internally displaced, often living in overcrowded, inadequate, and unsafe, temporary shelters. Economic Situation: The economy is devastated, with skyrocketing prices for basic goods, high unemployment, and a massive depletion of household resources. Infrastructure and Health: Roughly half of all hospitals are non-functional. Access to electricity, clean water, and sanitation is severely limited. Education and Safety: Roughly 1 in 4 schools are damaged or destroyed, affecting education access. The security situation remains volatile, with an elevated risk of violence and armed conflict in various parts of the country. As of late 2025, the situation remains dire, with continued, significant, and long-term deterioration in the daily lives of civilians. Find more here: https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/syria/brief/the-toll-of-war-economic-and-social-impact-analysis-esia-of-the-conflict-in-syria-key-facts https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/syria/brief/the-toll-of...
throwaw12 8mo ago
> because they see Mullah’s regime as one of their biggest allies when it comes to attack West/Israel/Free market you are looking it differently, I disagree, I am one of those who supported Palestine. Reason we are silent, because our governments already did what's needed from our side: heavily sanctioned the Iran, if I go and protest, what do I ask? To sanction Iran? They would laugh at me. Obviously, I am not going to protest and ask our government to go to war with Iran, which kills even more people. Why is it different for Israel? Because our government supported it, we didn't sanction them, that was what we were asking for, while brutality was even higher than Iranian regime. Not trying to downplay casualties, but just looking at relative numbers and methods, I don't see Iran bombing own people or killing 10% of its own population
- breppp 8mo ago
  > if I go and protest, what do I ask? To sanction Iran? They would laugh at me. That's a very weird take I see repeated over and over again You don't protest only to get your government to do something, the protests against Israel expectedly did not meaningfully change US relations with Israel yet you still presumably went out you can express solidarity with Iranians, you can protest the massacre, or just make people be aware there are thousands dying
  - throwaw12 8mo ago
    I do protest the massacre, but I don't know what to expect as a result. What do I ask our gov. to do? Sanction them? To stop sending them weapons? Isolate them diplomatically? Surprisingly, all is done already
    - breppp 8mo ago
      That's a pretty self defeating approach that in general is not compatible with protests of any kind (Israel included). I don't think there were any protests in the history of the world that couldn't have died using the logic of "nothing will change" As long as Iran has multiple countries it can sell its oil, there is still pressure to apply The real reasons there are no protests are in my opinion the same ones people generally suspect
undersuit 8mo ago
The US liberal party worked with the conservative party to cause the conditions that furthered unrest. Sanctions. And the US liberal party did similar attacks on the Palestinian people so it's consistent.
givemeethekeys 8mo ago
How are the regime able to do this? Do a majority if Iranians support them? Too afraid? The only job is the government job? Why choose to partake in the massacre even if you are on Team Ayatollah? Do those guards not consider the people the kill as Iranians?
- marcosdumay 8mo ago
  They have a large, very capillary police-like force that answers to the national government, trained to have no problem with killing people. The Iranians have been protesting that force in one way or another for more than a decade.
hearsathought 8mo ago
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- hluska 8mo ago
  It’s certainly not -200. I stopped reading after that.
  - hearsathought 8mo ago
    [flagged]
    - hluska 8mo ago
      This is my only comment on this entire subject. Why are you being so defensive? A death toll cannot possibly be negative no matter how defensive you are.
      - hearsathought 8mo ago
        > This is my only comment on this entire subject. Sure it is... You insta-responded to my comment as if you are part of a propaganda campaign. > Why are you being so defensive? Pathetic propaganda tactic. You sure seem like an honest commenter here. > A death toll cannot possibly be negative no matter how defensive you are. A death toll can't be negative? You can't kill -100 people. TIL. You are why I visit hn. Get to learn something new every day.
throwawa1 8mo ago
You sound like a good candidate to go home and to fight. Don't volunteer US kids. We should have absolutely nothing to do with your ethnic wars.
deleted 8mo ago
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southerntofu 8mo ago
> those who are committing this massacre are MUSLIMS and support PALESTINE so this is a moral dilemma for the left lovers I'm not sure if you're making this argument in good faith, but just in case. The iranian government has no love for socialists/anarchists many of whom have been executed (especially in the years after the islamic revolution) or live in exile. From what politically active iranian comrades told me (in exile), the social movement in Iran is very much alive and there is an underground left-wing scene (for example an anarchist/punk scene). Likewise, the Jin Jiyan Azadi movement following the execution of Mahsa Amini is very much on the left wing, inspired by Rojava's democratic confederalism. From a western european perspective (eg. me), the dilemma is not the one you presented. Sure some fringe groups have campist [1] tendencies, but that's far from representing the Left as a whole (which has historical links with the anti-islamist left-wing in Iran). The dilemma would be: how to support a people's revolution without supporting our own western empires making the situation even worse? The most moderate/imperialist liberals have learnt the lessons from the Taliban's comeback in Afghanistan and the return of black slavery in Libya: we can do better than bomb a foreign people. Still, the demonstrations here in France supporting the uprising in Iran (at least those who are not organized by the fascists trying to bring the Shah's son to the throne) pretty much have the same crowd as the pro-palestinian demonstrations. I'd be curious, apart from obvious propaganda, where you'd find the idea that left-wingers wouldn't support overthrowing a tyrannical government. (cue history course about the history of secularism and why opposing islamophobia is not incompatible with opposing islamism or any theological tyranny) [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Campism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Campism
FilosofumRex 8mo ago
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- ch4s3 8mo ago
  It’s called a coincidence.
wolvoleo 8mo ago
> It’s is a big tragedy and people are reluctant to talk about it because those who are committing this massacre are MUSLIMS and support PALESTINE so this is a moral dilemma for the left lovers! because they see Mullah’s regime as one of their biggest allies when it comes to attack West/Israel/Free market Sorry this is BS. I'm very left wing but nobody I know on the left has any time for murderers. The left is very principled. We don't have this loyalty thing that the right has. Loyalty to the party line no matter how insane. We don't have leaders that tell us what to think. Yes I think Israel is very bad for what they're still doing in Gaza. Yes I think the Palestinian people deserve their own country. And really theirs, not that stupid resort Trump wants to make of it (where there seems to be no place for Palestinians except maybe as humble servants for the rich tourists) But NO, I have no time for the mullahs and their security services and not for hamas either for that matter. Nor for the Taliban. They are monsters too. They are not our allies in any way and I'm hoping that Iran will become free. I even have nothing against Israelis, just their government/army We measure people by our principles. Not by whatever side of some narratives they happen to be on. And there is no 'side' anyway. On the left we're more like an unorganized collection of people whose opinions happen to align. I don't even support the party I vote for on every topic. I don't have loyalty, if I'm aligned with a group or party it's never unconditional. It's more that my own values currently align with theirs. The problem with Iran is, protesting here on the streets is a bit pointless. With the gaza situation it puts pressure on our governments to sanction Israel. Like stopping doing business with them. Protesting against the Iranian massacre won't do anything. Our governments already do no business there. The only thing it might accomplish is pissing the Iranian regime off but they won't give a crap what we think. There have been protests but yeah what can we do really?
Grimblewald 8mo ago
If it was Israel attacking Iran, and my government still sends arms and financial support to Israel, then I would care. However, provided this is a country governing itself, it isn't my place to say squat. I'd help, if asked, but there's so much strife and massacre in the world that this doesn't really stand out. It is when my tax money pays for this kind of strife and massacre when I get quite vocal about it.
AtlasBarfed 8mo ago
Palestinians should not view Iran as an ally, but an enemy of an enemy that looks to use them for their callous geopolitical goals.

justonceokay 8mo ago

lol @ “west/israel/free market”. I think you have an aliasing bug. Why would leftists (or anyone) be confused who the bad guy is here? Generally as a rule of thumb for international conflict you can count on the left to be on the side of the underdog, no matter how naive a view that may be in a given circumstance.

dorian-graph 8mo ago
> Why would leftists (or anyone) be confused who the bad guy is here? Because there are literally pro-Palestine protests that have supporters of Iran's supreme leader[1]. I've seen a lot of comments and sentiment from leftists in support of Iran. What bug(s) do you have, that you didn't know this? [1]: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-04/international-reactions-to-pro-palestinian-march-sydney-bridge/105609688 https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-04/international-reactio...
- justonceokay 8mo ago
  Because someone held a flag in austrailia 8 months before this current Iranian conflict, you assume “the left” (globally!?) is in support of the Ayatollah? Even more rich because Iran is currently massacring their /leftist/ population who were protesting for rights like /free markets/. How does that dissonance feel to you?
  - dorian-graph 8mo ago
    > you assume “the left” (globally!?) is in support of the Ayatollah? Where did I imply that, justonceokay? And no, I don't think every leftist supports the Ayatollah. Do you think every leftist, globally, doesn't support them? I was as vague as you were, in referring to leftists. I gave a concrete example of there being confusion about who the bad guys, since you questioned why leftists (or anyone) would be confused.

zrn900 8mo ago

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deleted 8mo ago
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noah_buddy 8mo ago

It’s very strange to go “why isn’t the left doing anything about this conflict when they cared so much about Palestine?” My government doesn’t fund Iran.

flyinglizard 8mo ago
Your government doesn’t fund Israel, either.
- direwolf20 8mo ago
  Most Western governments fund Israel. The US funds it the most.
  - flyinglizard 8mo ago
    Where’s the data to support your extraordinary claim?
    - direwolf20 8mo ago
      You could start with https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_supplying_arms_to_Israel https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_supplying_ar...
      - flyinglizard 8mo ago
        You’ve given a list of countries selling weapons to Israel. If I sell you my car, I am not “funding” you. What an exercise in utter futility.
        direwolf20 8mo ago
        You could also read https://www.cfr.org/articles/us-aid-israel-four-charts https://www.cfr.org/articles/us-aid-israel-four-charts These are just Google results.
        8mo ago

01HNNWZ0MV43FF 8mo ago

Buddy I'd join the right wingers if they weren't wrong about abortion, freedom of religion, gay rights, trans rights, economics, racism, public safety, environmentalism, cars...

deleted 8mo ago
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logicchains 8mo ago
Do you support the Ayatollah on abortion, freedom of religion, gay rights, and trans rights? Some right wingers might want to, but as of now he's the only world leader actively executing people just for homosexuality.
- wolvoleo 8mo ago
  Of course not. I don't know anyone on the left who has respect for the Iranian regime.

mhitza 8mo ago

> this is a moral dilemma for the left lovers! I think your optics are skewed as to what is seen as "the left" in US centric ways. In my east european part of the world the perspective isn't shaped by ethnicity at all (except when the organized right does anti immigration manifestations), but with disgust of what authoritarians do around the world. The world seems to be in a simmering stage, and the fact that we have our Serbian neighbors continuously protesting for more than a year, dampens ideals of being able to effect change through protests.

FridayoLeary 8mo ago

I came on here to say that point but you said it much better then i ever could. For the record i am unapologetically pro israel, and their actions in Gaza while regrettable were largely unavoidable. What is striking is that the death toll in Iran from a couple of weeks of demonstrations is half as much as what Gaza suffered in 2 years of a devastating war. Even taking into account the difference in population this is shocking. Well done to my fellow Hners for trying to gaslight op that the 2 are not comparable, when everyone here knows what is really behind this anomaly. You have all my sympathy. Even Israelis understand the difference between the regime and the people of Iran. From a practical point of view how do feel the West should respond? Would you welcome American airstrikes? What do you feel about the looming possibility of another conflict with Israel?

axus 8mo ago
A lot of people died that did not have to, they are certainly comparable. Russia and Ukraine are a better comparison; Putin says that Ukraine doesn't exist and that he was forced to by NATO, etc. The IRGC had "no choice" if they wanted to remain in power; but they did have a choice.

m4ck_ 8mo ago

I can't say I've ever seen anyone claim Iran as an ally. As usual, plastic smoking perpetually online right wing trolls conflate support for the people in Palestine with support for Iran/Hamas/Hezbollah/whatever the right wing picks as it's bogey man of the day. You are not as serious person. >It’s a shame that all those activist that would shred themselves for Palestine are absolutely quite about Iran Did you consider if there are any differences between the two situations? The money I earn is not being seized to fund the Iranian regime. Government and other organizations in my country are not declaring a blank check in support of the Iranian government; they're not suggesting it's hate speech to merely question the Iranian government's actions and no one is being investigated, arrested, or deported for being skeptical of the Iranian government or it's violence.

diego_moita 8mo ago

I disagree. There are deeper aspects in this tragedy. I don't want to be called "leftist" because I don't want to belong to any tribe. But I do embrace a lot of the humanist ideals of the so called "progressives" and I think they might have some moral ground in here. But feel free to call me whatever you want. In my perspective, the oppression in Iran is different from what is going on in Gaza. It is more like what happens in Belarus, Russia, Cuba, Venezuela, Turkey and Myanmar: it is an authoritarian government killing and oppressing their own people. I am not American but if the American government wants to kill innocent people in Minneapolis that is an American problem that the Americans should solve, because I respect the US sovereignty. OTOH, I am ok with western interference in Gaza because Zionism is a racist project from one ethnicity against other, it is the racist government of a racist people committing genocide against another ethnicity. It isn't an internal issue of a sovereign state as much as apartheid wasn't an internal affair of the South African regime.

germandiago 8mo ago
> a lot of the humanist ideals of the so called "progressives" To the best of my knowledge this is not progressive but christian in origin in our westerner societies... never mind you are not a christian. In the west it has been like that historically.
- rob74 8mo ago
  Right... although you wouldn't know it if you took a look at the current Christian right in the US: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/is-empathy-a-sin-some-conservative-christians-argue-it-can-be https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/is-empathy-a-sin-some-...
  - fhdkweig 8mo ago
    There is some discussion about creating a new term, "Christ-like" to differentiate from the current Christian right. A number of years ago there was a saying WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) that epitomizes the new Christ-like term.

mrtksn 8mo ago

> It’s a shame that all those activist that would shred themselves for Palestine are absolutely quite about Iran That's not a fair position, those people don't have the duty to make every wrong right. As an Iranian expat how much of your time and money did you invest in fixing Iran? Apparently there are 2 million Iranians in US and just over a million in Europe and a million more in the rest of the world. What did the 4 million strong Iranian diaspora did on that matter? That's really an unfortunate statement. I see this talking point from pro-Netanyahu accounts, showing empty university campuses and I wonder if they are demanding right to kill more people under their control(since Iranians killed more people per day and Israel is mission out) or trying to smear the protesters(which I don't see how it make sense, you don't become hypocritical of you don't invest your time and money in every issue).

germandiago 8mo ago
I am not sure if they are asking them to more or less suicide when they go meet their relatives. I know iranians in Spain, my country. It is lilely they are not perfectly organized but everyone deserves a life as normal as ours. I support the fact that he comes here to disclose some more information if possible.
geraneum 8mo ago
> What did the 4 million strong Iranian diaspora did on that matter The progressive’s version of “why don’t you go back to your country and fix it” in response to someone who’s clearly asking for empathy. This is hilarious.
Kennel5527 8mo ago
Unsure of your background here. Though the way you refer to the Iranian diaspora hints at gaps I would fill before contributing further to a discussion pointing back the finger at those who are victims in this case, most of the time still with people back in Iran, and who risk even just going to a protest as they could easily be profiled and effectively ban themselves from ever returning back home, if not altogether risking the lives of people back home. The level of bravery of the Iranians inside the country is off scale, that of those among the Diaspora participating in protests is still huge given the risk. Those not participating too much (very rare!) still millions of times more justifiable than that of people who have nothing to fear from manifesting freely and safely. The calculated cost/benefit calculation that some leftists (me one of them generally - but not in this case) are doing, is just using the wrong calibration weights, “hate for a specific faction/team” rather than just “love for humanity and justice” (which I assume people won’t argue is a leftist pillar).

the_real_cher 8mo ago

A massive proportion of the modern extremist violence around the world I've seen has been Islam. Not all Islam is bad but there's elements like Jihad, and Sharia law, that other religions don't seem to have in modern times.

zasz 8mo ago

So they would be better people if they didn't care about anything? Maybe, instead of getting mad that Palestinians are getting support that you think normal Iranians should get also, you could be constructive, and offer Americans some advice on how to pressure the Iranian government to stop the killing?

epsters 8mo ago

Don't know about who exactly are the 'leftists' you are referring to but here's my take : Palestine : Dont send bombs. Send Aid. Lift blockade so Palestinians dont suffer. Iran : Dont send bombs. Send Aid. Lift sanctions so Iranian people dont suffer. Interested to hear your take regarding the same.

busterarm 8mo ago
Lifting sanctions just helps the mullahs flex their power on Iranian civilians. Lifted sanctions means more suffering for Iranian people and people abroad suffering from Iran-funded terrorist groups.
- krainboltgreene 8mo ago
  This is such an absurd analysis that it is bewildering anyone would post it.
  - busterarm 8mo ago
    Lifting the sanctions doesn't suddenly make their government, regulation or economy stable. Their biggest companies are all government-owned and famously corrupt and mismanaged. This is criticism given from most of the region when the topic of lifting sanctions comes up. Nothing I said is novel or extreme. In fact, we have direct evidence of what happens when those sanctions are lifted from when it was done under the Biden administration. They expanded their nuclear program and expanded funding to their regional proxies to carry out terror campaigns. The Houthis attacked global shipping lines and October 7th happened. That's not theoretical. Btw, I'm of Iranian descent.
    - krainboltgreene 8mo ago
      > Lifting the sanctions doesn't suddenly make their government, regulation or economy stable True we only sanction them because it's funny. I don't really care what descent you are, anyone can have a bad opinion of American foreign policy. There are tons of people right now in America who are Iranian that are screaming for a crazy monarch to take power.

ThinkBeat 8mo ago

Do you believe and call on the United States to bomb Iran. Which is the only real offer on the table. This created absolute hell in Syria, Libya and other nations. Democracy was certainly not delivered. Are you calling for the US to bomb Iran? Or are you against that?

hersko 8mo ago
Iran is nothing like Syria or Libya.
reeredfdfdf 8mo ago
Syria was an absolute hell under Assad for dissidents, can't blame America for that. Iraq and Libya maybe, though Saddam and Gaddafi weren't exactly great leaders to their people either. Anyway, IMO the thing about Iran is that it's mostly Shia, and the population isn't that religious, especially not in cities. Unlike Syria, Iraq and Libya of the past, they aren't ruled by a secular dictatorship, but religious extremists. So, while US intervention in Iraq, Libya and so on created space for religious extremists to rise, I think getting rid of Iranian government could actually do the opposite - give a chance for secular opposition to rise.
- FilosofumRex 8mo ago
  > Each program has a fixed authorization period (for example, the 2003–2016 framework for up to 9 billion USD, with about 3.8 billion remaining by the last extension you mean, the US should repeat 1953 coup with the hope the outcome would be different. Communists and most military dictators in modern history have been secular...
- ThinkBeat 8mo ago
  > Syria was an absolute hell under Assad for dissidents, And now its an absolute hell for everyone. Is that really progress? Humanitarian Crisis: Over 60% of the population faces food insecurity. Millions are internally displaced, often living in overcrowded, inadequate, and unsafe, temporary shelters. Economic Situation: The economy is devastated, with skyrocketing prices for basic goods, high unemployment, and a massive depletion of household resources. Infrastructure and Health: Roughly half of all hospitals are non-functional. Access to electricity, clean water, and sanitation is severely limited. Education and Safety: Roughly 1 in 4 schools are damaged or destroyed, affecting education access. The security situation remains volatile, with an elevated risk of violence and armed conflict in various parts of the country. As of late 2025, the situation remains dire, with continued, significant, and long-term deterioration in the daily lives of civilians. Find more here: https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/syria/brief/the-toll-of-war-economic-and-social-impact-analysis-esia-of-the-conflict-in-syria-key-facts https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/syria/brief/the-toll-of...

throwaw12 8mo ago

> because they see Mullah’s regime as one of their biggest allies when it comes to attack West/Israel/Free market you are looking it differently, I disagree, I am one of those who supported Palestine. Reason we are silent, because our governments already did what's needed from our side: heavily sanctioned the Iran, if I go and protest, what do I ask? To sanction Iran? They would laugh at me. Obviously, I am not going to protest and ask our government to go to war with Iran, which kills even more people. Why is it different for Israel? Because our government supported it, we didn't sanction them, that was what we were asking for, while brutality was even higher than Iranian regime. Not trying to downplay casualties, but just looking at relative numbers and methods, I don't see Iran bombing own people or killing 10% of its own population

breppp 8mo ago
> if I go and protest, what do I ask? To sanction Iran? They would laugh at me. That's a very weird take I see repeated over and over again You don't protest only to get your government to do something, the protests against Israel expectedly did not meaningfully change US relations with Israel yet you still presumably went out you can express solidarity with Iranians, you can protest the massacre, or just make people be aware there are thousands dying
- throwaw12 8mo ago
  I do protest the massacre, but I don't know what to expect as a result. What do I ask our gov. to do? Sanction them? To stop sending them weapons? Isolate them diplomatically? Surprisingly, all is done already
  - breppp 8mo ago
    That's a pretty self defeating approach that in general is not compatible with protests of any kind (Israel included). I don't think there were any protests in the history of the world that couldn't have died using the logic of "nothing will change" As long as Iran has multiple countries it can sell its oil, there is still pressure to apply The real reasons there are no protests are in my opinion the same ones people generally suspect

undersuit 8mo ago

The US liberal party worked with the conservative party to cause the conditions that furthered unrest. Sanctions. And the US liberal party did similar attacks on the Palestinian people so it's consistent.

givemeethekeys 8mo ago

How are the regime able to do this? Do a majority if Iranians support them? Too afraid? The only job is the government job? Why choose to partake in the massacre even if you are on Team Ayatollah? Do those guards not consider the people the kill as Iranians?

marcosdumay 8mo ago
They have a large, very capillary police-like force that answers to the national government, trained to have no problem with killing people. The Iranians have been protesting that force in one way or another for more than a decade.

hearsathought 8mo ago

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hluska 8mo ago
It’s certainly not -200. I stopped reading after that.
- hearsathought 8mo ago
  [flagged]
  - hluska 8mo ago
    This is my only comment on this entire subject. Why are you being so defensive? A death toll cannot possibly be negative no matter how defensive you are.
    - hearsathought 8mo ago
      > This is my only comment on this entire subject. Sure it is... You insta-responded to my comment as if you are part of a propaganda campaign. > Why are you being so defensive? Pathetic propaganda tactic. You sure seem like an honest commenter here. > A death toll cannot possibly be negative no matter how defensive you are. A death toll can't be negative? You can't kill -100 people. TIL. You are why I visit hn. Get to learn something new every day.

throwawa1 8mo ago

You sound like a good candidate to go home and to fight. Don't volunteer US kids. We should have absolutely nothing to do with your ethnic wars.

deleted 8mo ago

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southerntofu 8mo ago

> those who are committing this massacre are MUSLIMS and support PALESTINE so this is a moral dilemma for the left lovers I'm not sure if you're making this argument in good faith, but just in case. The iranian government has no love for socialists/anarchists many of whom have been executed (especially in the years after the islamic revolution) or live in exile. From what politically active iranian comrades told me (in exile), the social movement in Iran is very much alive and there is an underground left-wing scene (for example an anarchist/punk scene). Likewise, the Jin Jiyan Azadi movement following the execution of Mahsa Amini is very much on the left wing, inspired by Rojava's democratic confederalism. From a western european perspective (eg. me), the dilemma is not the one you presented. Sure some fringe groups have campist [1] tendencies, but that's far from representing the Left as a whole (which has historical links with the anti-islamist left-wing in Iran). The dilemma would be: how to support a people's revolution without supporting our own western empires making the situation even worse? The most moderate/imperialist liberals have learnt the lessons from the Taliban's comeback in Afghanistan and the return of black slavery in Libya: we can do better than bomb a foreign people. Still, the demonstrations here in France supporting the uprising in Iran (at least those who are not organized by the fascists trying to bring the Shah's son to the throne) pretty much have the same crowd as the pro-palestinian demonstrations. I'd be curious, apart from obvious propaganda, where you'd find the idea that left-wingers wouldn't support overthrowing a tyrannical government. (cue history course about the history of secularism and why opposing islamophobia is not incompatible with opposing islamism or any theological tyranny) [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Campism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Campism

FilosofumRex 8mo ago

[flagged]

ch4s3 8mo ago
It’s called a coincidence.

wolvoleo 8mo ago

> It’s is a big tragedy and people are reluctant to talk about it because those who are committing this massacre are MUSLIMS and support PALESTINE so this is a moral dilemma for the left lovers! because they see Mullah’s regime as one of their biggest allies when it comes to attack West/Israel/Free market Sorry this is BS. I'm very left wing but nobody I know on the left has any time for murderers. The left is very principled. We don't have this loyalty thing that the right has. Loyalty to the party line no matter how insane. We don't have leaders that tell us what to think. Yes I think Israel is very bad for what they're still doing in Gaza. Yes I think the Palestinian people deserve their own country. And really theirs, not that stupid resort Trump wants to make of it (where there seems to be no place for Palestinians except maybe as humble servants for the rich tourists) But NO, I have no time for the mullahs and their security services and not for hamas either for that matter. Nor for the Taliban. They are monsters too. They are not our allies in any way and I'm hoping that Iran will become free. I even have nothing against Israelis, just their government/army We measure people by our principles. Not by whatever side of some narratives they happen to be on. And there is no 'side' anyway. On the left we're more like an unorganized collection of people whose opinions happen to align. I don't even support the party I vote for on every topic. I don't have loyalty, if I'm aligned with a group or party it's never unconditional. It's more that my own values currently align with theirs. The problem with Iran is, protesting here on the streets is a bit pointless. With the gaza situation it puts pressure on our governments to sanction Israel. Like stopping doing business with them. Protesting against the Iranian massacre won't do anything. Our governments already do no business there. The only thing it might accomplish is pissing the Iranian regime off but they won't give a crap what we think. There have been protests but yeah what can we do really?

Grimblewald 8mo ago

If it was Israel attacking Iran, and my government still sends arms and financial support to Israel, then I would care. However, provided this is a country governing itself, it isn't my place to say squat. I'd help, if asked, but there's so much strife and massacre in the world that this doesn't really stand out. It is when my tax money pays for this kind of strife and massacre when I get quite vocal about it.

AtlasBarfed 8mo ago

Palestinians should not view Iran as an ally, but an enemy of an enemy that looks to use them for their callous geopolitical goals.