In Tehran, a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran has brought a moment of relief after nearly two weeks of intense air strikes and bombardment. The night of heavy attacks left many residents shaken and anxious about what comes next. Families displaced by the conflict are now faced with tough decisions about whether to return home or remain cautious.
For many, like Samaneh, a 37-year-old reporter, the recent violence was terrifying. She described the last night of bombing as the worst, fearing for the safety of her loved ones. Although the ceasefire began on Tuesday, Samaneh expressed doubt about its longevity, feeling that it might not hold due to ongoing tensions and claims of violations. She was initially skeptical when U.S. President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire, suspecting it was just a ploy.
The conflict escalated on June 13 when Israel targeted Iranian nuclear and military sites, leading to significant civilian casualties. Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Israeli cities. Reports indicate that the conflict has resulted in over 600 deaths in Iran and at least 28 in Israel, with many more injured on both sides.
In Karaj, Raha, a 41-year-old history teacher, returned to Iran from abroad to ensure her family’s safety. She voiced her frustration, stating that the ceasefire feels more like a pause than a genuine peace. She raised concerns about trusting those who speak of peace while simultaneously discussing regime change. Raha fears that this ceasefire may just be a temporary break for Israel to regroup for more attacks.
Hadi, a civil engineer, supported the government’s acceptance of the ceasefire but lamented the destruction caused by the conflict. He hopes it will bring unity among Iranians and lead to a softer stance on domestic issues. However, Raha warned that the government might retaliate against its citizens for perceived failures, particularly against women.
In Yazd, Mohammad, a 28-year-old nurse, returned home after a night shift to learn about the ceasefire. He expressed shock at the sudden agreement, suggesting that the Iranian government may have felt cornered. While he welcomed the ceasefire, he remains skeptical about its durability, fearing that global powers are sacrificing Iranian lives for their own interests.
As the ceasefire holds, uncertainty still looms over the region. Many Iranians are left grappling with the aftermath of violence and the potential for further conflict. The hope for lasting peace is fragile, and the people of Iran are left to wonder what the future holds.