Reactions to Escalating Tensions in the Region; Hamid Ismailioon: One Can Say No to the Islamic Republic and Also to War

Following the Islamic Republic's military adventurism and missile attack on Israel, several figures and institutions have expressed concern about the consequences of continued tensions. Hamid Ismailioon, a political activist and an opposition figure to the Islamic Republic, wrote on 'X': 'One can say no to the Islamic Republic and also to war.' Mr. Ismailioon emphasized that in the event of a widespread war, one can stand aside from the Islamic Republic and also not support a foreign government that intends to attack Iran militarily. He further stated that in the event of war, the Islamic Republic does not have the support of 'the majority of us' and supporting 'military attacks by others on Iran' would lead to a 'ruthless judgment of history.' This well-known opposition figure stressed that there is also a 'third way' which is the 'connection between inside and outside Iran.' In his post, Mr. Ismailioon referred to the 45-year history of 'murder, assassination, and crime' by the Islamic Republic and the 'irreparable damages' inflicted on many Iranians, while also criticizing Israel, believing that the current government of this country thinks that escalating the war 'increases the chances of remaining in power.' He wrote: 'The culprits of this situation are never the people of Iran. The accused are the rulers of the Islamic Republic.' Reactions to the increased likelihood of a retaliatory attack by Israel in response to the Islamic Republic's missile strikes on October 1 have been widespread, with many agreeing that the Islamic Republic is to blame for the created situation and its consequences. The Human Rights Campaign in Iran expressed concern about the human rights implications of continued conflicts for civil activists, political prisoners, and ordinary citizens. This human rights organization called on the international community to warn the authorities of the Islamic Republic that the abuse of the 'war atmosphere' to create an atmosphere of repression and suppression of political critics is not only condemned but will also have serious political and economic consequences. The 'Solidarity of Iranian Republicans' organization also stated in a statement that the way to save the country is to stand on two pillars: 'No to war' and 'No to the Islamic Republic,' and to confront the 'deceptive program' of reformists and the main supporters of Masoud Pezeshkian in dragging the nation to support the Islamic Republic's 'belligerent foreign policy.' In this statement, the organization urged the people of Iran to continue the path of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement by expressing protests and civil disobedience, showing that the Iranian nation does not seek enmity with any nation or country in the world. A human rights organization expressed concern about the consequences of the Islamic Republic's conflict with Israel for political prisoners and the people. The Times of Israel reported on the return of an Iranian plane from Iraqi airspace after warnings from the Israeli army. A documentary titled 'We Dance Again' tells a shocking story of Hamas's attack on a music festival in Israel. The crisis in the Middle East continues; 150 airstrikes by Israel and 180 rockets fired by Hezbollah in 24 hours. A Reuters report on the sensitive conditions in the Middle East questions whether the countdown to war has begun. The Middle East is in crisis; airlines have canceled their flights. Reuters reported that Gulf Arab countries are neutral in the Iran-Israel dispute. The head of the Iran section in the European Parliament stated that the Iranian government is the source of tension and violence in the region. A human rights organization warned about widespread executions in Iran under the shadow of wartime conditions with Israel.