CBS News’ producer in Iran on seeing the war with Israel coming, Trump’s move, and an uncertain future

Teheran – Seyed Rahim Bathaei has long been the eyes and ears of CBS News Iran. For 16 years, he helped us present our audience to ordinary Iranians who shared their hopes and their fears.

During all these years, Iranian society has been divided between those who ardently support the theocratic leaders of the Islamic Republic and those who do not. However, after 12 days of devastating war with Israel, CBS News experienced a level of national unity which was not there before.

“Iran is an ancient country with an old civilization, more than 5,000 years of history. They want to preserve it,” said Bathaei about his Iranian compatriots. “They say:” We are the nation. We have a national identity. Do not smash – do not even try to break – or do not insult our pride and this deep civilization. “”

For Bathaei, the military confrontation between the archival of the Middle East was inevitable for a while.

“I expected that,” he said. “Iran Has Had This Strong Belief to Support Palestinians and the Palestinian Cause, and has not ben shy to Project it who openly. So, it was obvious at some point – No one knew when – But this would come, that Iran and Israel WOULD Go On A Direct War, Direct Confrontation Institute Wars. Israel’s Side, Doing Assassination, secret operationsAnd on the Iranian side, fight against Israel through what is called today Iran proxy groups. Thus, at one point, it was quite inevitable that the two countries came to this boiling point. “”

Israel, supported by its close ally in the United States, may well have the military capacity to bring down the government led by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. But Bathaei says such a decision – that President Trump claims to have prevented personally During the 12 days of combat – would have serious consequences beyond the borders of Iran.

“It would be a disaster. We have already seen what happened in Libya, what happened to Syria. Iraq, in fact, is a great example for us. It is a disaster for the region,” he said. “There will be a failed state of which there could be terrorism.”

This threat may no longer feel imminent, and the president of ceasefire, Trump, negotiated between Iran and Israel, has held for almost a week, but Bathaei – based entirely on intestinal feelings which come from more than 35 years as journalist in Iran – still find it difficult to find optimism.

“I think we are going towards darker things,” he said. “I am not a good adventure story, but my instinct tells me, yes, we are going towards darker things. But I firmly hope that I am wrong.”

One thing surprised Bathaei during the war with Israel: President Trump ordered US war planes to join the Iranian nuclear installation attack.

“President Trump was full of surprises,” he said. “I didn’t think he could have gone so far.”

“I don’t think Iranian leaders were ready or thought that the United States could attack Iran at this level,” added Bathaei.

Now he fears that the United States can again attack Iran.

The solution, according to Bathaei, is for both sides sit and talk.

“They don’t talk to each other. If they sit down and start a conversation or even realize – I mean, Iranian politicians will visit the United States, American politicians coming here and visit Iran – I believe that a large part of this misunderstanding can be eliminated. I am not saying that Iran and the United States will not be a friend, to be allies, but I am not impossible.

It is a desire for peace that has been resolved by many people with whom CBS News has spoken in Iran, and they all hope that the leaders of Tehran, Tel Aviv and Washington.

Agnes Reau

contributed to this report.