Hamed Mousavi: Lack of Sympathy for Israel in Iran Amid Tensions
In a recent discussion, Hamed Mousavi, a professor of political science at Tehran University, shed light on the complexities of the relationship between Iran and Israel. During an interview, he emphasized the indifference among Iranians toward the messages from the Netanyahu regime, particularly in light of ongoing military actions and the impact of international sanctions.
Mousavi noted that, contrary to expectations, the streets of Tehran and other Iranian cities remain devoid of protests or unrest directed against the Iranian government. “Nobody in Iran is listening to the Netanyahu regime’s message,” he stated, highlighting a disconnect between Israeli narratives and Iranian public sentiment.
The professor pointed out what he describes as the hypocrisy of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who calls for the liberation of the Iranian people while simultaneously conducting airstrikes against them. This contradiction, according to Mousavi, only serves to deepen the rift between the two nations and foster resentment among Iranians.
He criticized Israel’s role in advocating for U.S. sanctions against Iran, which have significantly impacted the Iranian populace. “We know that the sanctions ultimately hurt the Iranian people, so there’s not much sympathy with the Israelis right now,” he remarked, suggesting that the actions of the Israeli government have contributed to a pervasive distrust.
Mousavi also recounted how recent attacks on Iran have occurred during a time of potential diplomatic progress, particularly with nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States. "The attack was unprovoked, and it essentially killed that path towards dialogue," he said, reflecting on the fragile nature of negotiations that had seemed to be advancing.
The ongoing tensions illustrate a complex web of geopolitics, where messages of peace and diplomacy are overshadowed by military actions and historical grievances. As Mousavi conveys, the Iranian populace remains largely unmoved by external appeals from Israel, focusing instead on the realities of their daily lives and the impacts of both international pressures and local governance.
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Video “Hamed Mousavi: Not much sympathy with Israel” was uploaded on 06/14/2025 to Youtube Channel Al Jazeera English