As tensions persist post-ceasefire, many Iranians reveal their exhaustion and fears of continued suffering amidst a fragile peace.
Fractured Peace: Iranians Share Exhaustion Amid Ceasefire Uncertainty

Fractured Peace: Iranians Share Exhaustion Amid Ceasefire Uncertainty
Ordinary Iranians express despair and skepticism following the newly announced ceasefire between Iran and Israel, reflecting a deep frustration with ongoing conflict.
The fear and frustration felt by ordinary Iranians are palpable following a fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel, which was established after 12 days of intense conflict. Sirous, who asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons, articulated a sentiment shared by many: “Ordinary people suffered the most.” He believes that the war was instigated by outside players, including Israel and the US, who targeted military sites, leaving the Iranian populace to bear the consequences.
With an official death toll of 606 reported by Iran's health minister and independent estimates suggesting the number could be significantly higher, the emotional landscape is complex. While some see faint hope for political change, a significant number are filled with fear and despair about the future of their nation. Minoo—a pseudonym—expressed her dismay, stating, “We the Iranian people are exhausted. We don’t want war, we don’t want sanctions, and we don’t even want a ceasefire. We just want to live in peace in the country we love.”
Moreover, Minoo fears that the consequences of a damaged regime may lead to increased oppression. The Iranian government, which has a history of suppressing dissent, has ramped up its crackdowns after protests in 2022. Reports suggest over 900 executions were carried out in the previous year alone, highlighting the regime's readiness to silence opposition.
Mehdi, another individual who preferred anonymity, fears that the impact of any continued conflict will primarily be felt by the people rather than the ruling authorities. He worries that the government will focus on rebuilding military strength rather than addressing public welfare. "The government knows how to exploit the dead better than anything else," he lamented.
Despite the ceasefire, announced by Donald Trump, many remain skeptical of its longevity. Just minutes after the truce came into effect, accusations arose from both sides of violations, with reports of explosions in northern Iran. Sara, not her real name, voiced her doubt about the ceasefire's integrity, stating, “I did not believe the ceasefire; it's not likely of them.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, forecasting the ceasefire's impending collapse. Arman remarked, “Israel hasn’t achieved all its goals...the regime must fall.” Kian added that the ceasefire could merely be a strategy to draw the Iranian leadership out, suggesting a deeper conflict is on the horizon.
As uncertainty looms over the ceasefire’s future, the tension in the region continues to intensify, leaving many to wonder if lasting peace is ever attainable. All eyes are now on the skies, hoping for a reprieve from the violence that has already caused so much pain.
With an official death toll of 606 reported by Iran's health minister and independent estimates suggesting the number could be significantly higher, the emotional landscape is complex. While some see faint hope for political change, a significant number are filled with fear and despair about the future of their nation. Minoo—a pseudonym—expressed her dismay, stating, “We the Iranian people are exhausted. We don’t want war, we don’t want sanctions, and we don’t even want a ceasefire. We just want to live in peace in the country we love.”
Moreover, Minoo fears that the consequences of a damaged regime may lead to increased oppression. The Iranian government, which has a history of suppressing dissent, has ramped up its crackdowns after protests in 2022. Reports suggest over 900 executions were carried out in the previous year alone, highlighting the regime's readiness to silence opposition.
Mehdi, another individual who preferred anonymity, fears that the impact of any continued conflict will primarily be felt by the people rather than the ruling authorities. He worries that the government will focus on rebuilding military strength rather than addressing public welfare. "The government knows how to exploit the dead better than anything else," he lamented.
Despite the ceasefire, announced by Donald Trump, many remain skeptical of its longevity. Just minutes after the truce came into effect, accusations arose from both sides of violations, with reports of explosions in northern Iran. Sara, not her real name, voiced her doubt about the ceasefire's integrity, stating, “I did not believe the ceasefire; it's not likely of them.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, forecasting the ceasefire's impending collapse. Arman remarked, “Israel hasn’t achieved all its goals...the regime must fall.” Kian added that the ceasefire could merely be a strategy to draw the Iranian leadership out, suggesting a deeper conflict is on the horizon.
As uncertainty looms over the ceasefire’s future, the tension in the region continues to intensify, leaving many to wonder if lasting peace is ever attainable. All eyes are now on the skies, hoping for a reprieve from the violence that has already caused so much pain.