Tehran Residents Call for Peace Amid Ongoing Israeli Strikes

As Israel intensifies its attacks on Tehran, residents report feelings of fear, confusion, and sadness. Amidst the chaos, many Iranians are torn between their disdain for the regime and the violence inflicted upon their civilian lives, leading to a broader conversation about the future of Iran.

Residents of Tehran are grappling with fear and uncertainty as Israeli airstrikes continue to escalate. The mood is somber in the capital city, with long lines forming at petrol stations and bakeries as locals scramble to escape the turmoil. In the early hours of Friday, the unexpected violence caught many off guard, leaving them to navigate a confusing landscape of emotions.

"I haven't slept for nights," shared a 21-year-old music student, communicating her dread through an encrypted app. "Everyone is leaving, but I'm not. My father insists that it is more honorable to die at home than flee." The young woman, who prefers to remain anonymous, articulated the collective anxiety felt by many, as they witness the devastation in Gaza through news reports. "I truly hope my beautiful Tehran doesn’t become another Gaza," she added.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s calls for Iranians to rise against their ruling clerics have been met with skepticism. "We do not want foreign intervention," the student declared. "No country has ever shown genuine regard for Iran, and we certainly do not want the Islamic Republic."

Another Tehran resident spoke of initially feeling a sense of exhilaration upon hearing of Israel's strikes against Iranian military leaders. Yet, her emotions shifted as news spread of civilian casualties. "I was shocked to find out that innocent lives—people like me—had perished," she lamented.

Since the conflict reignited, Iranian officials report over 220 fatalities, many of whom are women and children, while Israel acknowledges at least 24 casualties from Iranian missile strikes. The Israeli campaign against Iranian strongholds continues to cause panic, particularly with missile strikes sporadically hitting civilian areas and little guidance on safety.

As fear becomes an everyday reality, many Iranians are losing faith in their government’s assurances. One young woman, reflecting on the situation, noted that she can’t find solace in familiar surroundings, highlighting the universal vulnerability felt across Tehran. "Every neighborhood is impacted by the conflict," she stated, revealing an urgent need for safety.

The Iranian government has instructed citizens to seek refuge in mosques and metro systems, but the uncertainty of missile strikes casts doubt on these reassurances. Some residents have opted to relocate to safer regions, hoping to avoid further bombardment.

Divisions among the populace are apparent, as responses to the strikes vary widely. "The atmosphere mirrors those frantic moments after disaster strikes," one resident analyzed. "Some are fleeing, some are in denial, and others can't help but celebrate." This uncertainty underscores a growing acknowledgment that the consequences of conflict will resonate beyond politics, deeply affecting day-to-day existence.

Calls for peace resonate from within and beyond Iran's borders. Activists like Dorreh Khatibi-Hill bring attention to the dual tragedy of military conflict and civilian suffering, noting, "While there may be a sense of relief that regime figures are being targeted, it comes at a significant humanitarian cost." She worries for her family and friends as chaos envelops the city, striving to clarify the casualty toll amid official misinformation.

As global fears grow that Iran could descend into turmoil similar to Iraq or Syria, the situation continues to evolve. Families are braced for escalation, packing emergency supplies as they confront an uncertain future where safety is no longer guaranteed.