In the midst of escalating US-Israeli strikes on Iran, the lives of ordinary Iranians have been turned upside down. The capital city, Tehran, has become a battleground, with heavy attacks targeting military and political sites, leaving residents in a state of constant fear and uncertainty.
One Iranian, Salar, shared his experience, describing each day as feeling like a month due to the overwhelming volume of attacks. He recounted how a recent airstrike shook his entire house, forcing him to leave his windows open to prevent the glass from shattering. The situation is not limited to Tehran; other cities like Zanjan have also been heavily bombed, with fighter jets constantly passing overhead.
The impact of the strikes extends beyond physical destruction. The price of essential goods has skyrocketed, and queues for petrol and bread have become unbearably long. Tehran feels empty, with most shops closed, and residents are only leaving their homes for urgent reasons. The atmosphere is tense, with police forces patrolling the streets and security forces threatening anyone who speaks out against the regime.
International news organizations face significant challenges in reporting from within Iran due to visa restrictions and internet blackouts. This lack of independent information adds to the sense of fear and uncertainty among the Iranian population.
One resident, Kaveh, described the aftermath of the war's outbreak, with the sky constantly cloudy from the columns of smoke rising from airstrike sites. He expressed his concerns about maintaining contact with family and friends and accessing reliable news, highlighting the difficulties of using VPNs to bypass government-imposed internet blocks.
The death of the supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, has further divided public opinion. While some celebrated in the streets, others participated in government-led mourning ceremonies. Kaveh shared his initial disbelief and anger upon hearing the news, reflecting on the destruction and loss of life during Khamenei's rule.
Both Salar and Kaveh expressed uncertainty about the future, with Salar noting the severe stress experienced by many and the impact on mental health. He emphasized the need for those abroad, especially supporters of the former royal family, to understand the reality on the ground in Iran.
Despite the challenges and unknowns, Kaveh remains hopeful, believing that the war, though prolonged, offers a chance for life and a better tomorrow. He expressed his belief that without this operation, something worse would have definitely occurred.
The situation in Iran is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of war on civilians, and the resilience and strength required to endure such difficult circumstances.
