Lion of Persia: The online warrior fighting for Iran’s future – and Israeli coexistance

Comparing Israel and Gaza before the war, Sadaghiani noted, ‘So much investment, so much real estate and innovation [in Israel], and the other side is building tunnels.’

In the fierce battle againstantisemitism and the anti-Israel blood-libel mob, Younes Sadaghiani stands out boldly, defiantly, and fearlessly. A true “lion of Persia,” he is an online warrior, fighting for the future and the freedom of Iran, as well as of the United Kingdom, alongside Israel’s right to exist. He calls antisemites by their name.

Catching up with Sadaghiani on one of his many visits to Israel, I spoke to him in my home in Jaffa, the city famous for the biblical Jonah’s – aka Younes – journey to sea. Five minutes into our conversation, the picture hanging on the wall behind him crashed to the floor, and the glass of the frame shattered. His response was, “Mazal tov; the energy of the universe is too strong.”

In that reaction, he provided some insight into the man behind the viral Instagram and YouTube videos.

From oppression to a voice for freedom

Born under the harsh regime of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Sadaghiani journeyed from young immigrant boy in the UK to prominent political analyst and content creator. His is a story of resilience and courage. Here is a man who risks it all to stand up for the Jewish people and who should be known in every Jewish home in Israel and around the world.

Arriving in Britain at the age of 13, with barely a word of English, Sadaghiani faced immediate hostility, specifically from young jihadis in his class who attempted to bully him for refusing to join their prayers.

“It made me a fighter and tough,” he recalled. “They couldn’t handle me, as I was already bigger and stronger then.”

Two of those classmates were later convicted of participating in terror plots in the UK linked to ISIS, highlighting the very real threat he faced. These experiences reflect a struggle reminiscent of many Jewish youths facing antisemitism growing up.

Confronting Islamism with truth

Sadaghiani said, “They tried to stick the label of ex-Muslim to me, but in reality I never chose Islam. I came from a very liberal family to begin with.”

His break with Islam wasn’t a rebellion but a realization: “Even if I don’t have a problem with Islam, Islam has a problem with me, so I need to question it and stand up to it.”

His stance is grounded in lived reality, seeing firsthand how radical preachers infiltrated his school, spreading dangerous ideologies that he now calls “the Islamic Brotherhood fooling the UK education system.”

Sadaghiani didn’t just fight the tide; he went against it on every front.

Learning English and later studying politics at the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE), he forged his voice as a fearless warrior for justice and truth.

Commitment to support Israel

Sadaghiani’s support for Israel arises from deep conviction. “Israelis want to live in peace, but the jihadi culture around them will not allow them.” He explained that “90% of Iranians want the IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] gone,” highlighting the vast opposition within Iran to the regime’s funding terrorism worldwide.

Personal evolution is never smooth, Sadaghiani clarified. “I am not religious, but I do believe in the ‘One God,’ who I view as energy, frequency, and vibration.”

This perspective sits right next to a sharp critique of radical Islamism, which he contrasts against the peaceful majority of Muslims: “Ninety-five percent are lovely, peaceful, good, normal people who just want to party and have a good time. But they are like the grass that hides the snake, the snake being the radicals within; therefore, they fail in their moral duty.”

He is blunt and urges more Muslims to “stand up, speak up, and call out the extremists within them.”

He knows, however, that most have no choice. “Many, if not most, are labeled ‘Muslim’ from birth, and if they try to leave they are apostates, which is punishable by death.” He said that he never wanted controversy for its own sake but has seen how societies decline when wrong ideas take hold.

Support of Israel and the Jewish people

Sadaghiani’s online beginnings were humble. “When I started, I had 10 views and one like, but I had a burning passion. I wasn’t doing it for views, and still am not,” he asserted.

Within months, he found himself on TV and traveling the world, meeting politicians, diplomats, and business leaders. His journey took him to Israel, the Gaza border, the Knesset, and IDF bases. For years, the media tried to brainwash him into believing that Israel would be hostile to someone like him, but when he saw it for himself, it was different.

“It’s the other side that hates life, that worships death,” he said.

Comparing Israel and Gaza before the war, Sadaghiani noted, “So much investment, so much real estate and innovation [in Israel], and the other side is building tunnels. That shows there is a problem in the mentality.”
His message to Iranians is clear: “Israel isn’t your enemy. The so-called ‘scary Zionist regime’ has been unfairly demonized.”

He is sickened that Zionism has become a dirty word among Westerners.

“Israelis don’t want to be bombed and killed, and they don’t want to kill innocent civilians, as is claimed by the haters. Israel is just defending itself.”

Sadaghiani believes that Israel “won the war outstandingly,” and he pays tribute to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite the criticism the premier faces.

“Momentum is with Israel, and you are very lucky to have someone like Netanyahu at the top. Without that kind of leader, Israel could have collapsed as a state,” he said. However, he noted that although Israel secured victory on the military front, it lost the information war, a fight that has been ongoing for decades.

Sadaghiani highlighted Iran’s IRGC and Qatar as sources funding anti-Israel propaganda, but said he recognizes that historically, “Jews have always lost the propaganda battle, even when winning militarily. Israel does a good job on the military front, but not on the information front,” he reiterated.

That is where he sees his own battle. “When you lose the information war, you lose the real war or aren’t allowed to win or finish the job.”

Sadaghiani deals with threats and abuse but never wavers.

“Tell the truth. When you tell the truth, amazing things start to happen. If you have something to say, silence is a lie.”

To Israelis and Jews everywhere, Sadaghiani’s message is urgent: “Don’t be afraid, be brave. Iranian people are your friends. Stand up for yourselves; you are on the right side of history. The other side tried to commit genocide and failed. Israel took two years to fight the war to minimize casualties.

“The fight needs to be improved from all areas. Debate harder and don’t be afraid. I would be willing to train young Israelis and Jews on media and debate.”

The Cyrus Accords: Iranian-Israeli reconciliation

For Sadaghiani, embracing the truth is a historical duty. He recognizes that while Iranians are against the IRGC, many are suspicious of Israel and its motives, and that is something he aims to help clarify. He wants the real Israel to be seen for what it is – a place of life, growth, and energy, not the caricature sold by haters. He is not blind. “Israel has its flaws, but the overwhelming majority of Israelis just want peace and to live in peace.”

He wants to be part of building a “golden bridge” between Iranians and Israelis, reminding both communities of their ancient ties.

“King Cyrus and Queen Esther – our histories are intertwined. This 40-something years with the IRGC is just a blip in our vast timeline.”

Sadaghiani believes that Iran’s future freedom is bound to Israel’s security. “A prosperous Middle East will only be possible with a strong Persia. The one who funds all the madness is the IRGC. The Abraham Accords are a start, but without the IRGC there would have been no need for them to begin with. I want to see the Cyrus Accords next, normalizing relations between Israel and Iran.”

He sees himself as part of this historic transformation.

“The Islamic Republic will collapse, not if, but when.” He is extremely grateful for the 12-Day War and its outcomes, where Iranians “saw their oppressors shaking in their boots.”

He calls out Western hypocrisy, too. “So many people in the West, on both the Left and the Right, parrot these antisemitic libels. The fight is hard.” But he wants everyone to see the truth and stand up for it.

In a world obsessed with demonizing Israel and staying silent in the face of antisemitism, Sadaghiani’s voice is important and extremely comforting in moments when Jews and Israelis can feel alone.

Sadaghiani holds out hope. We are witnessing “history in motion,” he said.

“Be part of this era that will define the future. It is like a football game: It is halftime now, advantage Israel, with the second half still to be played.” 