Six months into the US-Israel war on Iran, the Iranian diaspora finds itself increasingly fractured, caught between opposition to the Tehran government and deep divisions over the ongoing conflict. Many Iranians living abroad, who have long advocated for democracy in their homeland, are now at odds with others in the diaspora who support the military strikes against Iran.

The war, launched on February 28, has had devastating humanitarian consequences, with thousands of civilians killed, primarily in Iran and Lebanon. It has also triggered global economic instability and soaring energy prices. For many in the diaspora, this conflict presents a complex paradox: opposing the ruling government while simultaneously condemning the foreign intervention.

Peyvand Khorsandi, who left Iran as a child in 1976, exemplifies this division. Despite his father being targeted in an alleged assassination attempt orchestrated by the Iranian government, Khorsandi opposes the war. He told Al Jazeera that the conflict has inadvertently strengthened the Iranian government while severely hindering the pro-democracy movement. "It’s disappointing and depressing," he stated.

This sentiment is shared by a significant portion of the diaspora who reject what they see as a war driven by colonial interests. These groups often criticize the war's justifications and the perceived expendability of lives in the Global South, drawing parallels to other conflicts. They express disillusionment with Western powers, feeling they are not viewed as equals.

Conversely, a notable segment of the diaspora has rallied behind exiled figures like Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's last shah. Supporters of Pahlavi and the former monarchy often view the military action as a necessary step towards regime change, believing it could pave the way for a different future for Iran. This faction sees the current government as the primary obstacle to national progress and stability.

However, critics like Khorsandi dismiss Pahlavi's political stance, with Khorsandi describing him as a "willing servant of the Israeli government." This stark ideological divide within the diaspora highlights a deep-seated disagreement on the best path forward for Iran, with starkly contrasting views on the role of external powers and the nature of legitimate Iranian leadership.

The justifications for the war itself have also come under scrutiny. US intelligence had reportedly concluded that Iran was not actively pursuing nuclear weapons prior to the conflict's commencement. Nonetheless, US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited Iran's nuclear program as a primary reason for the strikes, a rationale that has been challenged by various observers and segments of the diaspora.

As the conflict continues, these internal divisions within the Iranian diaspora show no signs of abating. The war has not only impacted Iran but has also created a deeply polarized environment among those living outside the country, reflecting the complex geopolitical landscape and the enduring struggle for Iran's future.