The story: A perceived nod by the former crown prince of Iran to foreign military intervention has sparked heated reactions among Iranians. Proponents of war argue that it is the only way to ultimately overthrow the Islamic Republic. However, prominent civil society figures—including a jailed Nobel laureate—insist that a military conflict with Israel will ultimately hurt civilians with no guarantee of political change.

The coverage: Debate is raging among Iranians over whether a full-scale war with Israel is what is necessary to topple the...