Iranians in Germany share 'mixed feelings' on Israel offensive
In Frankfurt, Hamid Nasiri, 45, a product developer at a pharmaceutical company, said he had "mixed feelings" about the fighting, started by Israel on Friday after weeks of tensions over Iran's nuclear programme.
Like many Iranians in Europe, he sees Israel's offensive as a chance to topple the Iranian leadership under Ayatollah Ali Khamenei -- long accused of human-rights abuses and brutally repressing dissent.
"On the one hand, Israel's actions are specifically directed against the Islamic government, which is itself known for its brutal methods. That gives me a certain hope," Nasiri said.
"At the same time, I naturally mourn for the people of Iran. When women, children and now scientists are killed, I find that morally very disturbing," he said.
"Many are caught between hope for change and horror at what is happening right now," said an Iranian teacher based in Frankfurt who did not want to give her name.
She has not been able to reach a friend living in northern Tehran since Friday.
Israel on Friday launched a surprise aerial campaign targeting sites across Iran, saying the attacks aimed to prevent its enemy from acquiring atomic weapons.
Iran's uranium enrichment has for decades caused tension with the West and Israel, which fear the drive is aimed at making an atomic bomb, a charge denied by Tehran.
The Israeli strikes have so far killed at least 224 people, including top military commanders, nuclear scientists but also civilians, according to Iranian authorities.
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Iran's retaliatory strikes on Israel have so far killed 24 people, according to Israeli authorities.
In Berlin, an Iranian translator who wanted to remain anonymous said she felt "torn" over Israel's attacks.
"I hope so much that this war will overthrow the mullah regime. I wish for that so much. Then all the deaths would not have been in vain," she said.
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