War in Iran creates range of reactions in Philadelphia

Demonstrations across Philadelphia reflect sharply different views on the U.S. military campaign in Iran, a conflict that residents say has stirred complex emotions both locally and abroad.

Some Iranian Americans in the city say their loved ones back home support continued U.S. strikes.

Marjam Vafa, a board member of Philly Iranians, said a friend recently received a text message from Iran describing the ongoing war.

“We call it a war. In Iran, they call it a rescue mission,” Vafa said.

She added that many of her friends and relatives want the U.S. to keep up its efforts to rid the country of the authoritarian Iranian regime.

“I do have friends and family in Iran. They are happy! The first day that Tehran got bombed, they were dancing in the streets,” she said.

But the Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR, says it is hearing a very different message from some people from Iran who oppose the military campaign.

Ahmet Tekelioglu, executive director of CAIR Philadelphia, said many Iranians reject both the regime and the war.

“Many people I know are not happy with the Iranian regime, but they are simultaneously raising their voices against this military campaign,” he said.

Tekelioglu also questioned the constitutionality and legality of the U.S. action.

“This unconstitutional war should stop right away,” he said.

He warned that the conflict could fuel backlash against Muslims in the region.

“As a civil rights organization, we are worried because this also feels like anti-Muslim racism, Islamophobia,” he said.

Vafa acknowledged that “no one wants war,” but argued that the Iranian government poses a global threat.

“This regime has to go. If this regime stays, it will be a threat to the whole world,” she said.

With six U.S. troops killed and more than a thousand deaths reported in Iran, both supporters and opponents of the war say they are deeply concerned about civilian casualties.

“It has always created pain. It has created killing and suffering,” Tekelioglu said.

“We don’t want innocent people to die,” Vafa said.

As the conflict continues, both organizations say they plan to stay engaged. CAIR intends to keep pressing lawmakers, including Pennsylvania’s U.S. senators, while Philly Iranian says it will continue advocating for the people of Iran.

Both sides are watching developments closely as the war continues.