Despite a fragile ceasefire between the United States, Iran, and Israel, many citizens say the sense of fear and uncertainty remains deeply rooted.
Maryami, a woman in her late 40s from Tehran, returned home after spending nearly six weeks away to escape the bombardments. While she felt relief when the ceasefire was announced, she says anxiety about the future has not faded.
“The first thing we say to each other these days is: ‘We survived’. I’m happy the war is over, but I still feel unsafe and worry the economic situation will worsen.”
The airstrikes, which began on February 28, stopped after a ceasefire that led to talks in Islamabad. However, after more than 20 hours of negotiations, no agreement was reached.
Donald Trump later reiterated a hardline stance, calling for a full blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and warning that the U.S. military remains ready for action.
Residents describe a city that appears normal on the surface but feels deeply unsettled. Prices have surged, anxiety has spread, and security measures have intensified. Checkpoints across Tehran, often manned by the Basij militia, have added to the atmosphere of control.
Leila, a mother of two, described being stopped and searched, calling it a “show of force” by authorities. Meanwhile, damage to infrastructure—including police stations—has forced officers to operate in the open.
The human toll is significant. According to Iranian authorities, over 3,000 people were killed in the strikes, while hundreds of schools, hospitals, and cultural sites were damaged.
There is also growing concern about leadership uncertainty following reports of the death of Ali Khamenei and the rise of Mojtaba Khamenei, leaving many unsure about the country’s direction.
Economic hardship is worsening. Factories have been hit, jobs lost, and internet restrictions continue to isolate millions. According to monitoring group NetBlocks, Iran is experiencing one of the longest nationwide internet shutdowns ever recorded.
Ali, a businessman in Tehran, summed up the frustration:
“Many hoped the war would end the regime. Instead, it severely damaged Iran, not the system.”
For many Iranians, the ceasefire has not brought peace—only a pause filled with fear, uncertainty, and a struggle to rebuild their lives.
