As the United States and Israel's war rages in Iran, members of the Iranian diaspora living in Thessaloniki describe a mix of anxiety, grief and fragile hope as they follow events unfolding in their homeland. Three Iranian residents of the northern Greek city, Elham, Sara and Reza, spoke about their experiences of exile, their families still in Tehran, and the complicated emotions surrounding the ongoing conflict.
Elham, 42, an artist who works with humanitarian organisations, arrived in Thessaloniki a decade ago after fleeing repression in Tehran. She says she left Iran "for freedom and democracy", describing a system where, in her view, "there are no human rights, nor equality for women".
Despite her criticism of the authorities, she stresses that war is not something ordinary people wish for. "No one wants war for their country," she says. Communication with her family has become increasingly difficult due to internet blackouts in Tehran. During one brief contact, her father described the aftermath of violent protests, telling her that "in every alley and every street, a family has lost someone".
Sara, 44, now a business owner in Thessaloniki, recounts a personal experience of violence that shaped her decision to leave Iran. Eleven years ago, during a short visit to Tehran, she says she was attacked with acid by a member of the Revolutionary Guards because some of her hair was visible beneath her headscarf. She later emigrated so that her daughter would not grow up under the same restrictions.
Despite her trauma, Sara says her attachment to her homeland remains strong. "May Iran prosper. Long live Iran, long live Iranians," she says, expressing hope that one day she may return and help rebuild the country.
Reza, 35, reached Greece in 2015 after a long journey across borders and seas. He says Greeks "embraced me and opened their door to me", adding that Greece has become his home. Yet his thoughts remain with family and friends in Tehran. "These are strange days," he says. "We feel relief about [Ali Khamenei's death], but we also suffer for the blood of our fellow citizens."
While the war spreads across the Middle East, the three share a deep sense of uncertainty and emotional strain. Life in Thessaloniki has offered them safety, but their hearts remain with their loved ones in Tehran. Watching events from afar, they are caught between fear for their families, criticism of the regime they fled, and hope that their country might eventually move towards a more stable and open future.
