Heavy strikes echoed across Tehran during one of Iran's biggest holidays as the conflict with Israel entered its fourth week. Tel Aviv said it had 'acted alone' in striking Iran's South Pars gasfield, further escalating the war that began on 28 February.
Despite the violence, some Iranians were determined to celebrate Nowruz, the Persian new year marking the spring equinox. 'We must preserve our traditions, especially in times like these,' said Darya, a 48-year-old painter from Tehran. She celebrated with her husband and daughter, laying out the traditional Haft Seen table.
However, many others struggled to find joy. Erfan, 28, whose pastry shop was destroyed in an airstrike, said: 'Now it's Nowruz, and all I'm doing is rebuilding my shop. I feel a lack of energy and motivation.' Hassan, a flower shop owner, reported sales at only 5% of normal, with 90% of his stock wasted.
Nowruz, also celebrated across central Asia and among Kurds, is traditionally a time of renewal and hope. But this year, streets remained largely empty, with few lighting the bonfires that symbolise casting off misfortune. Still, some families tried to maintain normality. Sajedeh, Hassan's daughter, said: 'Even during war, we have to keep the shop open. When people see the flowers, it gives them hope.'
