Iranian refugee in Northern Ireland says his family backs US-Israel attacks on Iran despite the risks
An Iranian refugee in Northern Ireland says he and his family back in Iran support the US-Israel attack on his country - even though it might cost them their lives.
Mihammedreza Badreh, 25, currently lives in Coleraine. He came to Northern Ireland three years ago, and has since been granted refugee status.
The qualified translator and personal trainer has not been able to speak to his family back home since Saturday morning, as the internet has been shut down there.
Speaking about the current US-Israel attacks on the Iranian regime, he says he is "very happy because of this intervention."
"We needed this, because we are occupied by the Islamic regime," he told the News Letter.
"My family, they might be in danger, they might get killed but they want this intervention because, because the regime is already killing us."
He believes the regime has slaughted over 50,000 in January. Western estimates range from around 7000, with the Guardian and other outlets reporting over 30,000.
"Many other people are held in prisons to be executed," he adds.
"There is nothing worse than the Islamic regime for us, but this operation we see as a savior. We really appreciate President Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and we truly appreciate the American voters supporting President Trump, because this is the moment that we've been waiting almost five decades for."
He believes that toppling the Iranian regime would be "a big help to the world, to the Middle East and even to the UK" because of the threat Iran poses.
His personal ambitions appear very normal.
"I would say that I just want a decent, normal life like everybody else in a secular democratic country.
"I want to I want to be free in my speech. I want to dress however I want. I want to drink whatever I want. I want to I want to have a normal life. I want to work and have a salary that everyone deserves to have - based on their work.
"Iran is a rich country but the regime are using these resources to feed terrorist organisations in the region."
Like many others, he sees the son of the former Iranian monarch, the Shah, as a rallying point for revolution.
Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, exiled in the US, is positioning himself as a rallying figure for a transitional government before full and free elections.
"We think that he is the figure that can help us to get rid of this chaos," he adds.
He knows there is much scepticism that airstrikes alone can depose the current regime.
"But the regime is at their weakest point throughout their history."
He hopes that the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei together with its commander-general and defence council secretary will cause supporters of the regime to lose hope.
"The majority of people are against them.”
Mihammedreza has been taking his message onto the streets of Belfast, joining with other Iranians at City Hall at regular rallies against the current regime.
On Monday he also took part in a counter-protest at a 'Stop Bombing Iran' event at City Hall, which heard speeches against the US-Israeli attacks on his home country.