“Immobile.” Many individuals who have communicated with the media have chosen that term to characterize the current situation in Iran.
Following three days of Israeli strikes, a resident conveyed to media that “everyone is trying to escape” Tehran “one way or another.”
On Sunday, extensive lines emerged at petrol stations throughout the city. Numerous individuals attempted to flee to remote regions, seeking refuge from potential Israeli targets; however, they were unable to exit the province due to severe traffic congestion.
“It’s evident that Tehran isn’t safe,” remarked a resident. There are no alerts or notifications from authorities regarding Israeli attacks. Residents report hearing the blasts, anxiously awaiting news that their homes remain unscathed. However, the question remains: where can we go from here? There is a pervasive sense of insecurity.
A resident who successfully relocated from Tehran to another province expressed, “I don’t think I’ve fully processed that I’m living in an active war zone, and I’m not sure when I’ll reach acceptance.”
“This conflict does not belong to me.” The speaker expresses a desire for survival, emphasizing a neutral stance in the ongoing conflict, prioritizing the safety of their family above all else.
Since Friday, Israel has launched its most significant series of air strikes against Iran in years.
In response, Iran has initiated missile strikes targeting Israel.
Authorities have reported that at least 19 individuals have lost their lives in Israel since Friday. On Sunday, Iran’s health ministry reported that Israeli strikes had resulted in the deaths of 224 individuals across the country since Friday.
An Iranian woman shared with the media that she has struggled to sleep for two consecutive nights, stating, “I’ve gone through really tough situations.”
She recalled that the current situation evokes memories of bombings and seeking refuge in shelters during the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, a time from her childhood.
“In the past, when an attack occurred, there was a clear distinction: we received air raid sirens or warnings prior to the event.” Currently, during this bombing or any air raid, there are no sirens or warnings in place.
According to Ghoncheh Habibiazad from BBC News Persian, younger generations born after the war lack firsthand knowledge of the experiences from that time.
A woman in Tehran expressed her contemplation of leaving the city in response to the ongoing attacks.
“Many of us have considered relocating to smaller cities or villages, seeking new opportunities. However, we are often held back by the presence of loved ones who cannot make the move, and our thoughts remain with them,” she stated. “The current situation is unjust for all of us, the citizens of Iran.”
“Many individuals are navigating these challenging times marked by fear, exhaustion, and significant stress, a situation that is undeniably difficult and distressing.”
A resident of the capital expressed, “I can’t just leave Tehran.” Leaving my elderly parents, who are unable to travel far or for extended periods, is not an option for me. Additionally, it is essential for me to be present at work. What actions are available to me at this moment?
The instability of the internet has created significant challenges in maintaining communication with individuals within the country.
Numerous individuals residing abroad are reaching out to their loved ones and eagerly await a response.
Warnings have been issued by the Israeli military, urging all Iranians to evacuate areas in proximity to military installations. Concerns among the residents of Tehran appear to be mounting significantly.
“How are we expected to determine the locations of military sites?” one individual questioned.
In a distinct message directed at the Iranian populace on the second day of the attacks, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, “The time has come” for Iranians to come together “by standing up for your freedom.”
Despite Netanyahu’s call, citizens in the country have opted mainly for safety, with minimal evidence suggesting that his message has gained traction among the populace, as reported by Daryoush Karimi of Report Persian.
According to media Pouyan Kalani, the most shocking aspect for many inside Iran was the destruction of residential buildings, surpassing even the attacks on nuclear facilities and airbases.
Scenes reminiscent of the aftermath of the Iran-Iraq war unfolded in the streets of the capital, a sight many Iranians had not experienced in years.
In Tehran and beyond, residents reflect on Friday’s chaos, grappling with questions about the unfolding events: what was truly occurring, the extent of the situation, and the measures they could take to safeguard themselves and their loved ones.
