Life in Iran: A Struggle for Safety Amidst Escalating Conflict
The word "stuck" encapsulates the sentiments of many Iranians today, especially following recent escalations in conflict. In the wake of three days of intense Israeli airstrikes, residents of Tehran are expressing a desperate desire to escape the city. As one local shared with BBC News Persian, "Everyone is trying to leave Tehran one way or another."
Long lines have formed at petrol stations across the capital, as many attempted to flee to remote areas, away from potential targets. Unfortunately, heavy traffic has trapped many within the province. "Tehran isn’t safe, clearly," another resident observed. "We receive no alarms or warnings from officials about the attacks. We only hear the blasts and hope our homes remain unscathed. But where can we go? Nowhere feels safe."
One individual who successfully relocated from Tehran to another province shared, "I don’t think I’ve fully processed that I’m living in a war zone, and I’m uncertain when I will come to terms with this reality." They added, "This is not my war. I’m not supporting either side; I just want to survive alongside my family."
Since Friday, Israel has launched its most significant wave of airstrikes against Iran in years, leading to retaliatory missile strikes from Iran. Reports indicate that at least ten individuals have lost their lives in Israel, while Iranian sources state that 128 people have been killed in Israeli attacks as of Saturday afternoon.
An Iranian woman conveyed her distress to the BBC, stating she hadn’t slept in two nights due to the ongoing chaos. The situation evokes painful memories of her childhood during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, where air raid sirens provided some warning before attacks. "Now, during these bombings, there are no sirens or alerts," she lamented.
Younger generations, who were born after the war, have no frame of reference for such experiences, according to BBC News Persian’s Ghoncheh Habibiazad. A Tehran resident expressed her desire to escape the city but felt conflicted about leaving loved ones who are unable to travel. "What we’re experiencing is unfair to everyone in Iran," she said. "We’re all enduring these days filled with fear, exhaustion, and immense stress."
Another resident shared their predicament: "I can’t just leave Tehran. My elderly parents cannot travel far, and I have work obligations. What are my options?" The internet situation has been unstable, complicating communication with those outside the country who are trying to reach their loved ones.
Some individuals have received warnings from the Israeli military urging all Iranians to vacate areas near military sites, raising concerns among Tehran’s residents. "How are we supposed to know where a military site is and isn’t?" one questioned.
In a separate statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for Iranians to unite "by standing up for your freedom." However, reports indicate that this message has not resonated with the populace, as many prioritize their safety.
The destruction of residential buildings has shocked many Iranians more than the attacks on military targets. According to BBC News Persian’s Pouyan Kalani, such scenes have not been witnessed since the end of the Iran-Iraq war, particularly not in the capital.
As the situation unfolds, residents of Tehran and beyond are grappling with confusion and fear, questioning the extent of the conflict, how to protect themselves, and what the future holds for them and their families.
