During a recent academic conference held in Qatar, Professor Sadegh Zibakalam, a senior lecturer in the Department of Iranian Studies at the University of Tehran, shared an unusual phenomenon reflecting a significant generational shift in Iran.
Speaking in English, Zibakalam disclosed that many young Iranians harbor strong disdain for Palestinians and a rising admiration for Benjamin Netanyahu, as reported today (Monday) by the Iranian diaspora news site ‘Iran International.
Zibakalam remarked, “If someone had told me in the past that young Iranians would praise Netanyahu, I would have thought it was a joke. But over the past 15 months, I have seen it with my own eyes — the high level of hatred toward Palestinians and the desire to end with the regime’s support for them.”
Benjamin Netanyahu Represents Independence and Courage in the Eyes of Iran’s Youth
The professor explained that the Iranian regime’s unwavering support for Palestinians and terrorist organizations like Hamas has alienated the younger generation. “The youth do not hate Palestinians because they understand the details of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Rather, Palestinians are perceived as tied to the regime, to Iran’s leaders, and to everything they oppose,” Zibakalam noted.
Iran’s Islamic government is the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, spending billions of dollars bankrolling several terrorist proxies while neglecting the needs of Iranian citizens at home.
For many young Iranians, Zibakalam emphasized, Benjamin Netanyahu has become a positive figure and a symbol of resistance against the regime and its ideology. “Netanyahu, in their eyes, represents independence and courage. This has nothing to do with the Likud party or Israel itself but is rooted in opposition to the regime that dictates their lives,” he said.
Watch Zibakalam’s On Iranian Youth’s Opinions (English):
Zibakalam’s comments come after months of regime-orchestrated demonstrations and pro-Palestinian displays by the Basij militia in Iran. His remarks provide a rare glimpse into how young Iranians view reality — an outlook sharply opposed to the narrative and propaganda promoted by the Ayatollahs’ regime.
