Life in Iran has taken a dark turn as the country faces a wave of violence and fear. Residents describe their current situation with one word: "stuck." Many are desperate to escape Tehran amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes, but heavy traffic and a lack of safe options have made it nearly impossible.
After three days of intense attacks from Israel, people are trying to flee the city. Long lines have formed at petrol stations as families attempt to reach safer, more remote areas. One resident expressed the anxiety felt by many: "Tehran isn’t safe, clearly. We hear blasts and hope our place isn’t hit." With no alarms or warnings from officials, the uncertainty is overwhelming.
The situation escalated dramatically when Israel launched its largest wave of airstrikes in years. In response, Iran has retaliated with missile attacks on Israel. The toll has been severe, with reports indicating at least 19 deaths in Israel and 224 in Iran since the strikes began.
The fear and stress are palpable among the people. One woman shared how she has struggled to sleep, recalling her childhood during the Iran-Iraq war when sirens would warn of incoming attacks. "Now, there are no warnings," she lamented. This lack of alerts has left many feeling vulnerable and anxious.
Younger generations, who did not experience the war, are grappling with this new reality. Many are considering leaving Tehran but face difficult choices. One woman said, "We’ve all wanted to go to smaller cities or villages, but we have loved ones who can’t leave." The sense of injustice weighs heavily on everyone.
Families are torn between the need to escape and the desire to stay with loved ones. One resident spoke about her elderly parents who cannot travel far. "What can I do now?" she asked, highlighting the tough decisions people face in this crisis.
As the conflict continues, the people of Iran are left to endure fear, exhaustion, and uncertainty. They just want to survive and protect their families in these challenging times.