Impact of U.S. and Israeli Airstrikes on Iran's Religious and Ethnic Minorities

Sun, 03 May 2026 06:50:00 +0200

The U.S.-Israeli military campaign in Iran has had severe consequences for the country’s religious and ethnic minorities. Just before a ceasefire on April 8, airstrikes targeted a 68-year-old synagogue in Tehran, causing damage while the Israeli military claimed it was collateral damage targeting a nearby military commander. Churches and residential areas belonging to Armenians and other ethnic groups were also affected. Experts note that these attacks extend a historical pattern of Israeli actions against Jewish and other minority sites outside Israel. The conflict exacerbates Iran’s already struggling economy, with millions facing unemployment and increasing poverty. Critics highlight the lack of international media coverage on the impact of the war on vulnerable communities, suggesting that the narrative often overlooks civilian casualties while framing Iran through stereotypes. Religious and cultural institutions, which have long survived without external support, are now facing un