With Israeli air strikes on Tehran continuing unabated, a significant number of residents have evacuated the Iranian capital. However, for some individuals, the possibility of escape remains unattainable.
“I have heard multiple explosions near my home in western Tehran,” stated Mina, a 37-year-old computer scientist. “I found myself in a position where leaving seemed like a viable option; however, my responsibility towards my several cats prevents me from abandoning them.”
On Friday, Israel executed a significant military strike that resulted in the deaths of at least 224 individuals, including women and children. This escalation has prompted a mass exodus from various areas of the Iranian capital.
The attack has led to a counteroffensive from Iran, resulting in the deaths of at least 24 individuals in Israel, as reported by the Israeli prime minister’s office.
On Monday, Israel issued a warning to residents to evacuate a northern district of the capital prior to launching an attack on the headquarters of state television. The broadcaster reported that the strike resulted in the deaths of three individuals.
Two days following Israel’s announcement of having “opened a path to Tehran” by turning off Iran’s air defenses, the situation has escalated.
Amid the ongoing exodus, those who remain are confronting fear, shortages, and a profound sense of resilience.
On Tuesday, extensive lines formed outside bakeries and petrol stations, with some stretching several kilometers as residents hurried to gather fuel and essential supplies.
While grocery and convenience stores continued to operate, markets and jewelry shops throughout the city were shuttered.
Security checkpoints have been established throughout Tehran, intensifying the prevailing atmosphere of tension as authorities closely observe the movement in and out of critical districts.
The cityscape presents a subdued atmosphere.
In central Tehran, traffic appeared noticeably reduced as intermittent queues emerged outside pharmacies.
While unverified, online images depict significant destruction to residences, including shattered windows, collapsed facades, and debris-strewn living areas.
In Tajrish Square, workers were seen hastily repairing a water pipeline that had been damaged in a previous strike, as some residents made temporary relocations to secure access to running water.
A banner in downtown Tehran proclaimed, “The regime (Israel) must await harsh punishment,” accompanied by images of deceased Iranian military leaders and nuclear experts.
Various banners featured a statement from Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, asserting, “The powerful hand of the Islamic Republic’s armed forces will not relent against the Zionist regime.”
The banners, accompanied by headlines from international media covering Iran’s response, punctuated an otherwise muted urban landscape.
The Grand Bazaar remained closed, as a banner in Vali-Asr Square paid tribute to Sahar Emami, the state TV anchor who continued broadcasting during the Israeli strike on the broadcaster’s headquarters.
The striking image of her, finger raised in defiance, was accompanied by a verse from the renowned Persian poet Ferdowsi, which honors the bravery of women “on the battlefield.”
As anxiety envelops the capital, a complex tapestry of resilience and helplessness emerges, accompanied by a palpable stillness as residents brace for the uncertain future ahead.
