The Iranian Independent Filmmakers Association (IIFMA) has publicly endorsed the ongoing military strikes conducted by the United States and Israel within Iran, following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The association’s statement, released Saturday, cited the regime’s violent suppression of protests and its broader human rights record as justification for supporting the attacks.
“The Islamic regime in Iran, following the national uprising and tragic massacre of January 2025, has left its defenseless citizens with no option but to seek urgent humanitarian intervention from the international community,” the IIFMA stated. The organization, representing hundreds of dissident filmmakers, estimates over 40,000 civilians were killed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) during the January 8-9 crackdown on anti-government protests.
The IIFMA’s endorsement extends to targeted actions against government officials and those it describes as “oppressive agents,” while explicitly advocating for the avoidance of civilian casualties. “It is essential to put an end to this archaic cycle of patriarchal violence,” the statement continued.
While the IIFMA has issued a strong statement of support, prominent Iranian filmmakers such as Jafar Panahi, Asghar Farhadi and Mohamed Rasoulof have not yet publicly commented on the U.S.-Israel operation. State-run Iranian news agency IRNA and other sources report that, in addition to Khamenei, the strikes resulted in the deaths of Iran’s chief of army staff and defense minister.
Iran has responded to the attacks with missile and drone launches targeting Israel, as well as U.S. Military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. The extent of damage and casualties within Iran remains unclear. HRANA, a Washington-based Iranian rights group, reported late Saturday at least 133 civilian deaths and 200 injuries, though these figures have not been independently verified by U.S. Or Israeli military officials, who have yet to issue a comprehensive statement.
Massive explosions were reported Sunday in Tehran, the Iranian capital. Saturday saw both celebrations of Khamenei’s death, including fireworks and street dancing, and protests by supporters of the former Supreme Leader. The potential for a political vacuum following Khamenei’s death is considered significant, given the regime’s deep entrenchment despite widespread opposition, and the possibility of unpredictable consequences.
The IIFMA, created in the wake of the 2022 “Woman Life Freedom” movement sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody, has been a vocal critic of the Iranian government. The association called upon the international community to uphold Iran’s sovereignty while prioritizing the protection of Iranian citizens.
