“War is an ugly thing right, and we would rather not be at war, but this is needed.”
SAN ANTONIO — As tensions escalate between the United States and Iran, local leaders and members of San Antonio’s Iranian community are sharing sharply supportive reactions to the latest developments.
Grant Moody, the Bexar County Precinct 3 commissioner and a lieutenant colonel in the Marine Reserves, said he has not received orders to mobilize but stands ready if called.
“I think it was an extraordinary first step, first strike by the United States and our partner and friend in Israel,” Moody said.
Moody praised the Trump administration’s actions and said he has full confidence in Donald Trump and his leadership.
“War is an ugly thing, right, and we would rather not be at war, but this is needed,” Moody said.
He described Iran as the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism and pointed to what he characterized as the killing of tens of thousands of protesters by the Iranian government during demonstrations earlier this year.
“No one wants a long, protracted war, but there are ways to use military force to make the world a safer, better place and protect our national interests around the world,” he said.
Moody added that he hopes the conflict ends quickly, leading to what he described as a free Iran under new leadership. He also said he believes many Iranian Americans support the actions taken against Iran.
That sentiment was echoed by two San Antonio sisters, Taranevh Maghsoodi-Zahedi and Mojgan Panah, who fled Iran and have not returned.
“Today was actually a historical day for us. Nobody would believe that this was going to happen,” Taranevh said. “After 47 years of oppression, the head of the snake was gone, and it was unbelievable.”
The sisters said they have built lives in the United States as refugees. Despite reports of violence and instability, they said some Iranians are celebrating, describing scenes of people dancing in the streets and setting off fireworks.
“We don’t call it a war. I think it was a rescue mission, and we are thankful to all those brave men and women — the pilots, the soldiers — who took over this task of rescuing people,” Taranevh said.
They said they hope the developments will lead to freedom and stability for the Iranian people and broader peace in the Middle East.
“What’s happening today and right now in the moment is giving us hope for a chance to return back and see our homeland,” Mojgan said.