Iran News: Surprising Public Reaction to Israel Airstrikes on Tehran: CBN News

June 13, 2025 – In the early hours of the morning, at approximately 3:30 a.m. local time, Israel launched a series of strategic and targeted airstrikes on high-value locations in Tehran. The strikes mark a dramatic escalation in the ongoing Middle East conflict, drawing global attention to the increasingly volatile situation between Israel and Iran.

In an exclusive interview with CBN News, Lana Silk, CEO of Transform Iran, shared how the people of Iran are reacting. Silk described a “quiet relief” among many Iranians, despite the destruction, reflecting the depth of frustration and desperation under the current regime.

Silk told CBN News reporter Lorie Johnson:

I’ve spoken to many friends and colleagues inside the country this morning. People are waking up to what they are calling ‘good news.’ Videos are surfacing of residents raising glasses in symbolic celebration, even with buildings burning behind them.

Iranian Response: Relief, Not Rage

This surprising public reaction to the Tehran airstrikes reveals a complex reality: while the regime maintains a public posture of strength and defiance, ordinary Iranians appear to view the Israel Iran conflict through a different lens – one of hope for change.

Why such a response? Silk explained:

The people of Iran have long felt trapped under a repressive regime. Many believe this might be the only way real change could come. They’ve tried to rise up before, but those efforts have been crushed. Now, they’re asking if this could finally be the beginning of freedom.

One contact even sent a message to Israel saying, “You’ve started now. Let’s keep it up and finish the job”.

Iranian Regime Projects Defiance

While the public mood among many citizens is cautiously hopeful, the Iranian regime is responding with strong messaging and visible action. Leaders are urging citizens to prepare for war, with chaos reported at gas stations as people rush to fill tanks and stock up on supplies.

“The regime is doing everything it can to project strength,” Silk said. “They sent drones to Israel almost immediately – a symbolic act they knew wouldn’t do much damage. But the goal was to save face, not necessarily retaliate meaningfully.”

Church in Iran: A Light in the Darkness

As fear and uncertainty grip the region, the underground church in Iran is quietly preparing to respond with hope.

The Church has been praying for a change for a long time. Now they’re preparing to be a light and a source of hope in what could be a very dark and restless time.

She emphasized that Iranian Christians are not passive observers. They’re bracing for real challenges while also sensing that God may be opening a door for deeper transformation. “There’s fear, yes, but also this sense that maybe something truly is shifting,” she said.

Resilient Faith Under Fire

When asked how the Church in Iran has become so strong despite persecution, Silk pointed to the refining effect of suffering:

When your faith is illegal, you don’t take it lightly. You fight for it. You strip away everything that doesn’t matter, and what remains is a church that’s bold, resilient, and completely dependent on God.

She concluded with gratitude: “Praise God for His mercy. In the midst of oppression, believers are standing for what’s right, sharing their faith, and watching others turn to Jesus.”

Pray for Iran

Join us in prayer for Iran, for peace in the region, and for the Church to remain steadfast and radiant in these days of unrest.

As this moment in the Middle East conflict unfolds, the Iranian Church is rising with courage and compassion. They are preparing to be a refuge, a voice of peace, and a testimony to the power of the Gospel.

Please continue to pray for:

• Lasting peace and God’s will in the region
• The strength and protection of the underground church
• Opportunities for truth and transformation in Iran

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Originally published on: CBN News