Sayed Mohammad Marandi, a Professor of English Literature and Orientalism at the University of Tehran, recently took to his verified Twitter account to shed light on a growing sentiment among Iranian youth.
In his post, Marandi revealed that many young Iranians have been reaching out to him, asking for assistance in joining resistance forces such as Hèzbollah, Hàmas, or Islàmic Jihad to defend Gaza or Lebanon amidst the ongoing conflicts in the region.
In response to these requests, Marandi remarked, “I keep telling them that if I knew how to join Hezbollah, Hamas, or Islamic Jihad resistance forces, I wouldn’t be here.” His statement reflects the strong emotional and ideological commitment many Iranians feel toward the Palestinian cause and the defense of Lebanon, though they may not have the means to participate directly.
As a prominent intellectual and professor, Marandi’s insight into the mindset of Iranian youth is notable, especially considering his background in Orientalism and his frequent commentary on Middle Eastern geopolitics. His remarks point to a broader trend within Iranian society, where support for the Palestinian struggle has long been intertwined with national and religious identity.
The desire among young Iranians to defend Gaza and Lebanon comes during a time of increasing violence and tension in the region, where Israeli military actions have drawn widespread criticism.