In brief
Residents of Tehran report a grim reality as violence engulfs their city, leading to feelings of uncertainty and sadness.
June 15, 2025, 12:06 p.m. ET — As the hostilities between Israel and Iran continue to escalate, early optimism among the Iranian populace that the conflict would be short-lived is rapidly diminishing. Many people are now grappling with the harsh realities of living under the constant threat of attack, as fresh strikes rock the Iranian capital. In interviews conducted over voice notes and text messages, Tehran residents shared unsettling accounts of their experiences. With anonymity sought due to the precarious security climate, Behzed, a 40-year-old copyright expert, described witnessing the devastating impact of an Israeli strike on a fuel depot from her rooftop. “The explosion was clearly visible, its glow illuminating the nearby mountain,” she remarked, reflecting on the shocking transformation of her city.Others echo her sentiments, including Ali, a 43-year-old engineer, who recounted the sleepless nights he and his family endured as bomb sirens filled the air. To protect their young children from the anxiety surrounding the conflict, he and his wife have refrained from discussing the situation openly. “We still hope this will pass soon,” he shared, though acknowledging that mounting casualties are taking a toll on their collective hope.Arash, a 42-year-old psychologist, noted a perceptible shift in public sentiment. “This conflict feels different,” he asserted. Unlike previous flare-ups, which typically saw moments of quiet between strikes, this new wave of attacks has instilled a sense of prolonged terror and uncertainty among Tehran’s residents. “Now, life feels like it’s on hold,” he added, highlighting that restricted internet access has left many searching for news about the ongoing violence.Anger is also venting toward both Iranian leadership and Israeli authorities as the situation worsens. Sepideh, a teacher, expressed frustration over what she called “misguided decisions” by the Iranian government, which she believes have exacerbated the nation’s economic struggles prior to this conflict. The societal impacts of inflation and crippling sanctions are weighing heavily on people's minds.Amidst the turmoil, some Iranians have taken to social media to express radical thoughts, voicing a belief that foreign attacks targeting their leaders might pave the way for transformative change in Iran. As celebrations surged in some circles following Israeli strikes, the complex emotions surrounding freedom and the cost of conflict are becoming increasingly pronounced within the country's fractured society.
