Maryam, an economic journalist employed by a state-run news agency in Tehran, offers a nuanced perspective on the current conflict and the political environment in Iran. On the day the war began, she and her husband followed their usual morning routine, dropping off their eight-year-old daughter at school before heading to work. Hours later, as aircraft roared overhead and explosions shook their office near the supreme leader’s compound, Maryam witnessed the stark emotional divisions gripping the city. She described scenes of mixed reactions among the public—some distressed, others angry or tearful—with visible tensions between regime supporters and opponents.

Despite her role within Iran’s official media apparatus, Maryam openly opposes the Islamic Republic’s government. She criticized the regime’s harsh crackdown on independent journalists and the suppression of free reporting, noting the imprisonment of those who dissent. Nevertheless, she firmly rejects foreign intervention in Iran’s affairs, emphasizing a loyalty to her country above external forces. "When the choice is between my country and a foreign power, I will always choose my country, rightly or wrongly," she said.

Maryam’s outlook is shaped by historical experiences, including the 1979 revolution and the Iran-Iraq war, which she regards as catastrophes that brought suffering rather than progress. She dismisses the idea that another revolution or foreign military action would lead to positive change in Iran. Yet she also expresses empathy for families affected by the state’s repression, especially those who lost children during recent anti-government protests. She acknowledged the human impulse for retaliation in such circumstances, saying, “If someone had killed my child, perhaps I would also want revenge at any cost.”

Following the outbreak of violence, Maryam sent her daughter to the north for safety, while her husband remained in Tehran for work. Her experience and statements highlight the complex attitudes within Iran—where dissatisfaction with the regime coexists with nationalistic resistance to outside interference, reflecting deep societal divisions amid ongoing conflict and uncertainty.