Iran-U.S.-Israel conflict sparks fear, hope, and mixed emotions for Canadians connected to Iran and the region.
Mixed Emotions as Iran Faces U.S. and Israeli Strikes
Shayan Morshedi, a PhD student at Memorial University, stayed glued to his phone Saturday morning as news of U.S. and Israeli air strikes on Iran unfolded. Originally from Iran, he immediately reached out to his parents and friends, knowing the internet might soon be cut off.
“I just messaged them to check in and asked them to stay safe,” Morshedi told CBC News.
Using Telegram, an encrypted messaging app, he keeps in touch with anonymous contacts in Iran who update him on the unfolding events.
Grief, Relief, and Uncertainty
The news of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, being killed in the air strikes left Morshedi with conflicted feelings.
“I feel relief that Khamenei is gone, but also sadness. We’ve lost so many lives, and it’s heartbreaking,” he said.
Activists report that at least 6,519 people have died in Iran’s crackdown on nationwide protests that began in December.
Morshedi hopes those responsible for the deaths, including Khamenei, will be held accountable. Yet, he remains cautious about the future.
“The regime is not just one person. It’s an ideology, a system,” he said. Despite the violence, Morshedi hopes a referendum could allow Iranians to shape their country’s path forward.
“We could live peacefully and rebuild, but the regime still being in power makes me anxious about what comes next,” he added.
Fear Ripples Across the Middle East
Iran retaliated by launching attacks on U.S. military bases in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, triggering missile alerts and airport closures. The Canadian government has urged citizens to avoid travel to the region.
Newfoundlander Allison Furlong, who has lived in Qatar for 12 years, described the unnerving experience of hearing missiles intercepted overhead.
“The sounds of interception and the explosions are jarring,” Furlong said. Government alerts instructed residents to stay indoors, placing their trust in the U.S.-operated missile defence system.
Hope Amid Chaos
While the conflict fuels fear and uncertainty, those with ties to Iran cling to hope for accountability, peace, and a future free from war.
“We could rebuild, live without fear, and move forward—but it will take courage and change,” Morshedi said.
