What Iranian protesters in London think of the Iran war

About this interview

I speak with Iranian protesters at a Stop Bombing Iran demonstration in London, asking why they oppose military escalation and what they make of foreign intervention in the region. Many tell me that, while they have their own criticisms of the Iranian government, they reject the idea that outside powers like the United States or Israel can impose regime change through force. Several point to the 1953 overthrow of Mohammad Mosaddegh and Western involvement during the Iran–Iraq War to explain their deep scepticism of the motives behind today’s interventions. Others reflect on Iranian national identity and the willingness of ordinary people to defend their country even when they disagree with those in power.