‘Nothing Will Remain of Tehran,’ Iranians Say Amid Heavy Bombing

The ferocity of the attacks has divided sentiment among opponents of the government after a brutal crackdown on nationwide protests by security forces last January. Thousands were killed.

“Some people are comfortable with the bombings — I know that may sound strange,” said Ali. “They are upset if there is a night without bombing, and fear the war might end while the regime remains. You can see this clearly. People say we have already paid enough of a price and the Islamic republic must go.”

Ali said he was sympathetic to that view. “Our lives have no value for the Islamic republic,” he said. “We are the government’s human shields.”