As tensions escalate with Iran, few voices offer the depth, nuance, and cultural fluency of Dr. Thamar Gindin. A linguist, researcher at University of Haifa’s Ezri Center for Iran and Persian Gulf Studies, and host of two Hebrew-language podcasts on Iran, Dr. Gindin has devoted her career to decoding Iran—its people, politics, and the powerful narratives shaping both.
In this Q&A with American Friends of University of Haifa, she shares her personal journey into Iranian studies and offers a sobering look at how current events are reverberating inside the Islamic Republic.
What first drew you to the study of Iranian linguistics and culture? Was there a particular moment or influence that sparked your interest?
I’ve always been fascinated by languages—I’m actually a fourth-generation linguist on my mother’s side and inherited a knack for language acquisition from my father’s side. So, I naturally “collected languages.” In high school, I had an Iranian friend and used to ask her about her experiences during the war. Later, during my military service, I studied Arabic intensively—7 a.m. to 1 a.m. for eight months—and came across Persian and Iranians who were serving in the room next to mine. I fell in love with them and, every time I wasn’t on duty, I’d visit their room to learn about their culture, cooking, and language.
From your perspective, what are the long-term implications of the current war with Iran—not only militarily, but ideologically and culturally?
Honestly, it’s too early to even talk about short-term implications, let alone long-term ones. I think it would be irresponsible to draw conclusions just yet. One thing I do see is that parts of the Iranian opposition, which had largely been pro-Israel until now, are drifting toward the regime’s flag. But will that shift persist after the regime makes its next mistake and people return to the streets? How will the regime treat dissidents who are now coming back to join the fight against the so-called “invader?” There are so many possible scenarios at play—history is still being written.
How does Iran’s internal discourse—among its leadership, media, or general public—differ from the image it projects externally?
Most media coverage focuses on official statements from the regime or the status of the internet. Externally and internally, the regime projects confidence—but internally it also spreads massive amounts of disinformation. This kind of propaganda doesn’t always make it outside the country because, unlike the Iranian people, the rest of the world can’t be cut off from the internet. For example, the regime has falsely claimed successful missile strikes and downed fighter jets.
One interesting trend I’ve noticed is a sudden embrace of Iranian—rather than Islamic—identity. Just hours before its main studio was destroyed, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) changed its name to “Iran’s Broadcast.” (Its English branding always included both names.) In one program, the background even showed an Achaemenid soldier holding the Islamic Republic’s flag. These are symbolic choices designed to sway internal sentiment.
How does your work at the Ezri Center for Iran & Persian Gulf Studies contribute to Israel’s national understanding and preparedness when it comes to Iran? What unique perspective does the University of Haifa offer in this field?
My focus is primarily on making knowledge accessible. I follow current events in Persian, study Iranian culture, and present this information to the public in more digestible formats than academic papers. While I don’t advise the government directly, I know that people who do follow my channels, and they often reach out with questions that I then answer publicly. So, my insights are being used—just indirectly.
What sets me apart from most other Iran analysts in Israel is that I bring in the voice of the people. I don’t just follow the news or analyze historical processes—I listen to what everyday Iranians are saying and thinking.
With the U.S. carrying out a strike on Iranian targets Saturday night, how do you interpret America’s evolving role in this conflict? What message is Washington trying to send—to Israel, to Iran, and to the broader region?
Honestly? I’m not sure anyone understands [President Donald] Trump’s messaging. He’s the most VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) figure in the world. As he said himself recently: “Nobody knows what I’m gonna do.” Washington is striking Iranian targets one moment and calling for peace the next. I don’t think he understands how the human mind works—let alone the Iranian mind.
