Relief and Uncertainty After 12 Days of Israeli Airstrikes
After 12 days of Israeli airstrikes targeting cities across Iran, resulting in hundreds of deaths and mass exoduses from homes, Iranians expressed relief on Tuesday following a surprise nighttime announcement of a ceasefire.
Life Returns to Normal in Capital
For those residing in Tehran, the announcement brought hope for a return to normalcy, an end to the constant fear of further escalation and prolonged war.
- Many Iranians who fled the attacks also welcomed the news, as they could now return to their homes after exhausting and costly stays outside the city in rented accommodations or with relatives.
- Shima, a 40-year-old resident of Shiraz who requested anonymity for safety reasons, expressed her joy: “It’s over, and we can finally live in peace. This was an unnecessary war, and we paid the price for the bellicose policies of our authorities.”
Economic Strain and Limited Options
Just 24 hours prior, smoke columns loomed over parts of Tehran as Israel targeted the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), its paramilitary Basij force, and Evin prison near the Alborz Mountains.
A Tehran resident, who also wished to remain anonymous, commented: “It’s the people who are paying the price, whether it’s our people or theirs. Both sides are bearing the cost, so it’s best that this happened sooner rather than later.”
- Israel had repeatedly warned Tehran residents to evacuate large areas before conducting airstrikes, causing traffic jams on Tehran’s exit roads.
- Exhausted and cash-strapped, many began returning home even before the ceasefire announcement.
Personal Sacrifices and Limited Budgets
Arash, a 39-year-old government employee, took his family to Damavand, a mountain resort 56 km east of Tehran, known for its clean air and picturesque surroundings.
They returned to Tehran two days ago. “My wife and two children were terrified by the bombings, but renting a modest room in Damavand is beyond my limited budget,” Arash explained.
Family Ties and Home Sweet Home
Noushin, 35, and her family drove nearly five hours to stay with her in-laws in Sari, near the Caspian coast. However, their home was already overflowing with relatives seeking refuge.
“My daughter misses her room. I miss my home. How long can we keep this up? ‘Even if another attack happens, I’d rather die in my own home,'” Noushin pondered.
Key Questions and Answers
- What triggered the airstrikes? Israel launched its surprise airstrike campaign on June 13, targeting nuclear facilities and killing military commanders. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the attacks could lead to a regime change in Iran.
- Were there significant protests against the Islamic Republic? Despite the airstrikes, there have been no substantial street protests against the Islamic Republic. Many Iranians, including those who oppose it, have rallied around national sentiment against what they perceive as foreign aggression.
- How do Iranians feel about their leaders? Many Iranians are angry with the country’s top leadership, blaming them for bringing war and destruction through their policies. While Israel has repeatedly targeted both leaders and IRGC-dependent security forces, state media have reported hundreds of arrests for alleged espionage.
- What are people’s concerns about future repression? On Tuesday, black security vehicles were seen on Tehran streets, and dissidents expressed fear of impending crackdowns by authorities to prevent mass protests. The accusations of ceasefire violations on Tuesday also raised concerns about the potential resumption of hostilities.
