Iranians are increasingly expressing distrust toward their own government and showing a surprising openness to Israel, according to participants in a recent mission to Israel. The weeklong visit, known as the Cyrus Delegation, brought together Iranian and Jewish communities to foster dialogue and highlight their shared historical ties. Participants noted the creativity and humor of Iranians in resisting authoritarian rule, emphasizing the importance of breaking the culture of fear imposed by the regime over the past four decades. The mission aimed to build bridges and revive the longstanding relationship between the two peoples, which dates back to the era of Cyrus the Great and was strong prior to the 1979 revolution.