Across various cities in Iran, the atmosphere is one of despair as war continues to rage. Many citizens, who once felt insulated from the conflict, have been suddenly thrust into a harrowing reality.
Setareh, a young woman from Tehran, recalls a moment when the sound of bombings shattered her sense of security. 'Until that moment the war was something happening in other parts of Tehran,' she said. 'I think it's a bomb,' she told her colleagues as chaos erupted at their workplace, signaling a shift from normalcy to panic. 'We saw smoke rising into the sky, but we didn't know what place had been targeted.'
The impact of war has been severe, leading to widespread job losses and an inability to afford basic necessities.
Setareh expressed her anxiety: 'I can honestly say I haven't slept for several nights and days. The anxiety is so intense that it has affected my body.'
With the economy in crisis before the war—food prices soaring by 60% in the previous year—Iranians are now facing an even bleaker future. 'We cannot afford even basic food,' Setareh lamented. 'The problems created by the Islamic Republic mean that during this time we couldn't build any savings, at least not enough to survive now.'
Reports suggest that millions of Iranians are in similarly dire situations, leading many to anticipate the possibility of renewed protests against the regime, reminiscent of those seen in late 2025 and early 2026.
Another voice, a nurse named Tina, expressed concern about the potential for increased shortages in medicine as the war continues. 'The most important issue is that this war must not reach hospitals,' she warned, recalling the horrifying images from bombed areas that have already begun to haunt her. Cases of injuries from bombings, including that of a pregnant woman and her unborn child, are vivid reminders of the war's brutal impact on civilians.
As security forces remain vigilant, the fear of open dissent is palpable. Former political prisoner Behnam shared his experiences of the regime's violence, noting how easily life can turn from normalcy to chaos and danger. 'I will not heal until the day we are free,' he stated, reflecting a deep yearning among many citizens for change.
This desire for freedom starkly contrasts with the frightening reality of increased repression and the uncertainty of what the future holds amidst ongoing hostilities, setting the stage for potential unrest if the conflict persists without resolution.
