Students at Fresno State are expressing a wide range of reactions to the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran. Some students are voicing concerns for family members who are abroad, while others reflect on the political implications of the war.
As tensions in the Middle East continue to grow, students on campus say the situation feels both distant and personal.
“War is obviously tragic and affects many innocent people,” said Morgan Davis, a freshman architecture major. “But if it results in greater freedom and change for the Iranian people, that would be a good thing.”
The conflict follows a rise in tension between the United States and Iran, including military strikes and threats of retaliation. While the situation continues to develop, the possibility of a broader regional war has raised fears about stability in the Middle East and the impact it could have on civilians and global security.
The Collegian reached out to more than 100 students across campus to gather reactions to the conflict prior to the news of Iranian missiles hitting Tel Aviv, Israel, but only 6 students were willing to share.
Renee Cabada, a senior majoring in animal science, says the conflict has directly affected her family. Her sister lives in Qatar, and the uncertainty surrounding travel has caused concern for her family.
“My sister lives in Qatar for work, and we are worried about her safety,” Cabada said. “She was supposed to come to the U.S. to visit this July, but now we don’t know when she’ll be able to come since all flights have been canceled.”
For some students, the war is connected to personal experiences growing up in the region. Chloe Bennet, a sophomore nursing major who spent part of her childhood in Kuwait, said the situation has been frightening.
“Kuwait is a small country with many immigrants, and a lot of people who live there never wanted to be caught in a conflict like this,” Bennet said. “Seeing smaller countries affected by tensions between larger countries is really scary.”
Other students say they are still trying to better understand the conflict as it unfolds.
Belli Jarquin, a senior majoring in business administration, said she has been following the situation, but wants to learn more about what is happening.
“I’m not as educated on the topic as I would like to be,” Jarquin said. “I’m trying to learn more about what’s happening. At the end of the day, I just hope everyone involved is safe.”
The conflict has also prompted students to reflect on broader questions regarding war and international politics.
Dominic Perez, a freshman criminology major, said he believes the biggest consequence of war is the loss of human life.
“No matter what land, deal or political agenda is being questioned, lives should not be lost over it,” Perez said. “War is always messy, traumatic and leaves scars for generations. The Iranian regime may be oppressive, but I don’t believe the U.S. and Israel are doing it in the way they should be.”
At the same time, some students express support for efforts to challenge the Iranian government.
Nick Maxwell, a junior economics major, said concerns about Iran’s nuclear program have shaped his perspective on the conflict.
“Iran has been playing games with their nuclear program for decades and at some point, I believe the talks between the countries can only go so far,” Maxwell said. “They are a country who should not have nuclear weapons. On top of that, the people of Iran need to be free. Look at Iran before the revolution; they need to go back to that.”
Even though students see the conflict in different ways, many are left feeling unsure about what happens next.
