Desk Reports:
Life in Iran is still not returning to normal after the recent conflict with Israel. People all over the country, including the capital Tehran, now believe that war will return again. This uncertainty has put many people’s future plans on hold. Everyone is now wondering how they will survive if war breaks out again.
Iran International reported that at the very beginning of the conflict with Israel, the situation did not look like a war. At that time, Iranian Revolutionary Guard generals and nuclear scientists were killed, and several buildings were destroyed. Many thought that Israel had struck once and retreated. But on the second day, it became clear that this was a full-scale war.
A ceasefire has been reached after 12 days of fighting with Israel, but few believe it will last.
More than half of Tehran’s residents fear another round of war, according to the government survey agency ISPA. 15 percent are considering leaving the city permanently. This has added to the fear of sudden death or displacement, along with economic uncertainty, social pressure, and legal complications.
Those who can afford it are buying houses or land outside the capital in the northern provinces of Mazandaran and Gilan. Rents there have also increased several times. Some have rented houses for a year so that they can move with their families if war breaks out.
But for those on limited incomes, the only hope is to stockpile food and survive. For example, Farideh, a Tehran resident, has not yet removed the tape on her windows. The tape was put up to prevent the glass from shattering in the event of a bomb. Saber, a 42-year-old technician, has packed a tent, sleeping bag, and other essentials into an emergency bag.
Those who have places to go outside the capital are keeping their car’s fuel tank full at all times. Personal trainer Sina said, “During the war, I waited for three days for gas. Now I fill it up when it’s half empty. I know Israel could attack at any time.”
But not everyone is preparing. Many are doing nothing to avoid fear and stress. To them, war seems so devastating that no amount of caution will help.
For years, a comforting phrase has been common among the people of Iran, who live under strict Islamic discipline—’At least there is security.’ Today, that line has also become a bitter joke.
