Tehran Residents Defy Bombing, Cling to Life as War Enters Third Week
As the US-Israeli military campaign stretches into its third week, up to 3.2 million people have been temporarily displaced in Iran, according to UN refugee agency estimates, with figures likely to rise. Despite regular airstrikes, millions remain in their homes in Tehran, clinging to livelihoods and routines amid the chaos.
Daily Life Under Fire
Nafise, a 30-year-old jewellery designer, and her husband Farhad, 33, have renovated their apartment in the heart of Tehran, creating a cosy space filled with family photos and Persian rugs. Once a quiet spot, it is now plagued by constant explosions. Their online business has slowed due to internet shutdowns and war disruptions. "Every night at eight, we gather at someone’s house. Everyone brings food or dessert to share. It helps keep the spirits up," Nafise says, highlighting communal efforts to cope.
She expresses hope for political change but rejects war as the means. "We don’t want this war. We want change, but not like this," she adds, noting opposition to both the Islamic Republic and a monarchy revival. The death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei briefly sparked hope, but his son Mojtaba's succession dashed those dreams. "The system is deep and complicated," Nafise explains.
Economic and Personal Struggles
Amir, 40, a shop owner in southern Tehran distributing brake pads, travels daily from Karaj. "The war and economic conditions directly affect my work," he states. His biggest concern is a prolonged conflict exacerbating Iran's dire economy, compounded by international sanctions. So far, at least 1,444 people have been killed and nearly 19,000 injured in Iran, according to state reports, with retaliatory strikes on US targets ongoing.
Mojtaba, a 30-year-old documentary film-maker, works from a basement office for safety. "Right now, not even residential homes are safe from attacks. We feel the shockwaves of blasts throughout the city," he says, describing sleepless nights interrupted by explosions. He remains hopeful, citing Iran's historical resilience.
Impact on Youth and Foreigners
Moen, a 14-year-old student, stays home, bored and isolated. "It’s boring. I can’t see friends or go outside. I want to return to school," he laments, reflecting widespread disruptions to education. Vincent Cassard of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Tehran notes, "Daily life in Tehran has been profoundly disrupted: children are not attending school, and many businesses have temporarily closed."
Tehran's diverse population includes 1.65 million Afghan refugees and nearly 60,000 foreign students. Ali, a 36-year-old Palestinian-Syrian PhD student, has lived in Tehran for a decade. "It’s scary, but I feel like I am like a wall now. This is what war can do to you," he says, numbed by repeated conflicts.
Determination Amid Despair
Asal, a 35-year-old clothes designer, stands on her rooftop overlooking the city. "This is my home, and I’m not leaving, whatever the circumstances," she declares, embodying the resolve of many Tehran residents. The war has spiked oil prices above $100 a barrel after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, exposing NATO divisions as European governments avoid involvement.
As airstrikes continue, civilians face heavy strain, with infrastructure damaged and lives upended. The conflict's third week brings no respite, but Tehran's residents persist, balancing fear with an unwavering attachment to home and hope for a peaceful future.
