How many Iranians really oppose the Islamic regime?

We are often told the majority of Iranians are against the Islamic regime that has ruled over them for the last 47 years, but how big of a majority is it?

“These dictators in Iran, sure they fear us – but they fear you, the people of Iran, even more,” Netanyahu said in an interview with Iran International this week. “They understand that 80 percent of Iranians despise them."

The figure of 80–90 percent is often bandied about, but from where does that number actually originate?

​​In a poll conducted by the Netherlands-based Gamaan Institute in February 2023, just 1% of Iranians outside the country supported the IRGC. Still, that’s to be expected among people who have felt the need to flee the country. Perhaps more surprising is the tiny proportion still supporting the regime inside Iran: only 15% were in favor.

“In response to the question 'Islamic Republic: Yes or No?' 81% of respondents inside the country responded 'No' to the Islamic Republic, 15% responded 'Yes,' and 4% were not sure. Of the Iranian respondents abroad, 99% responded 'No,' opting against the Islamic Republic,” GAMAAN reported.

In short, an overwhelming majority want to see the end of the Islamic regime. Anecdotally, many Iranians believe the figure to be closer to 95%, and there have been numerous videos and messages appearing on social media that strengthen that claim. Whether it is chanting from apartment blocks in support of Israeli strikes, willing Israelis to make an end of their leaders, or graffiti in the streets of Iranian cities expressing appreciation for Netanyahu, there seems to be a lot of enthusiasm for Israel, even though people risk paying a high cost for saying so.

The cultural shift has been noted by Iranian academic, Sadegh Zibakalam, retired professor of political science at Tehran University. In his presentation at a conference hosted by the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies in Doha entitled, “The Trump presidency and the 46 years of hostility between Iran and the US,” Zibakalam shared his observations of the changes taking place particularly since Oct. 7, 2023, in his widely circulated speech:

"If someone would have told me that, 'Sadegh, a day would come that Iranian people hate Palestinians and they would praise Netanyahu – of all the people – they would praise Netanyahu as the hero, I would've thought that he or she was out of his mind, he or she was talking nonsense, he or she didn't know anything about Iranian people. But I saw it with my own eyes during the past 15 months."

He explained how those born after 1979 and have only known life under the Islamic regime see things differently, expressing concern about the growing cultural divide with the younger generation and “their love of literally anything that is anti- the Iranian Republic Regime.”

“I have only known an Iran that kills, rapes, and humiliates its women and brutally quashes any dissent,” wrote Nikoo Pajoom in the Times of Israel, expressing the grief of her generation. “My lifetime has seen, among others, the student protests of 1999 and 2003, the Green Movement of 2009, the economic protests of 2017-2018, the Flight 752 protests, and most recently the Mahsa Amini protests.”

The “Women Life Freedom” movement generated a great deal of fury against the brutal regime following the detainment, torture and death of Mahsa Amini for the “crime” of a small amount of hair showing even though she was wearing a hijab. Momentum gathered with more and more women bravely protesting the oppressive laws and dictates of the morality police. Their courage inspired many men to stand with them in solidarity, and also reached many outside of Iran, including in Israel.

Not only was the social and religious climate stifling and cruel, but Iran has been crushed economically too. Crippling U.S. sanctions imposed on the regime following their persistent genocidal declarations led the people of Iran into great poverty and despair. As the years went by, there was less and less to love about their leadership.

Still, at the 46th anniversary of the revolution last year, tens of thousands showed up in support of the regime with flags and banners declaring the standard “Death to Israel! Death to America” mantra. But with the population of Iran being more than 90 million, even tens of thousands amounts to less than 1%.

Now we are seeing open enthusiasm cheering Israel on as the IDF systematically destroys Iran’s military infrastructure and key personnel.

I’ve received countless messages from Iranians celebrating the reported death of Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the Air and aerospace force, Ali Shamkhani - head of the Iranian nuclear program and senior advisor to Supreme Leader Khamene and major General Mohammad Hossein… pic.twitter.com/qMAQbMuNH3

— Masih Alinejad 🏳️ (@AlinejadMasih) June 13, 2025

Cyrus Basham is one of the many Iranians expressing thanks to Israel during this war. He posted, "Let me tell you: Those who die are not innocent. They are the butchers who drained rivers of blood inside and outside Iran," adding, "Israel is not attacking the Iranian people. Israel is hunting the regime that has held us hostage for decades – the regime the world allowed to grow while we were being silenced... And for that, many of us are grateful."

“On behalf of 85% of Iranians who want democracy and freedom, I want to express my depth of gratitude to you and the rest of the Israeli people,” came another of the messages, responding to an Israeli post. “You and your fellow Israelis are giving Iranians the chance for liberation from the deadly yoke of the Islamic regime. Thank you.”