Heavy strikes echoed across Tehran during the Persian new year celebrations as the conflict between Israel and Iran entered its fourth week. Tel Aviv claimed it had 'acted alone' in striking Iran's South Pars gasfield, further escalating tensions. US President Donald Trump said he was considering 'winding down' military operations, but Israeli defence minister Israel Katz warned strikes would 'intensify' in the coming week.
Despite the war, many Iranians were determined to mark Nowruz, the Persian new year, which traditionally symbolises renewal and hope. In Tajrish Bazaar, some vendors reopened after weeks of closure. Ali, a 20-year-old vegetable seller, noted that people were buying flowers, fresh greens, and goldfish for the celebrations. Darya, a 48-year-old painter in central Tehran, said: 'We must preserve our traditions, especially in times like these.' She celebrated with her family, setting up the Haft Seen table.
However, the war has taken a heavy toll. An airstrike on the Tehran Province Electricity Distribution Company destroyed Erfan's pastry shop, Khooshe, a family business founded by his grandfather over 60 years ago. 'Business had already been bad since the anti-government protests in January,' said the 28-year-old. 'Now it's Nowruz, and all I'm doing is rebuilding my shop.' He added that change in Iran was needed, but not through violence.
Hassan, a 56-year-old flower shop owner in northern Tehran, said 90% of his stock went bad due to the war. 'Usually, this is our peak sales period, but right now we're selling only about 5% of what we usually do,' he said. His daughter Sajedeh, 26, insisted on keeping the shop open: 'When people pass by and see the flowers, see the open shop, and the signs of life around them, it gives them hope.'
Last year's Chaharshanbe Suri fire festival saw crowds lighting fireworks and jumping over bonfires, but this year the streets remained largely empty. Many families still tried to maintain a sense of normality, though the war has cast a long shadow over the celebrations.
