With the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran intensifying, citizens in Tehran express their growing anxiety and disillusionment about the future.
# Tensions Mount in Tehran as Conflict with Israel Escalates

# Tensions Mount in Tehran as Conflict with Israel Escalates
Residents fear prolonged violence as airstrikes and government restrictions create an air of uncertainty.
As the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate, more and more citizens in the Iranian capital of Tehran share their fears of prolonged violence and insecurity. This was underscored during recent voice notes and text messages sent to journalists by residents on June 15, 2025, detailing their experiences and concerns as airstrikes punctuated their lives.
The situation has led to a shift in the citizens' initial expectations regarding the conflict. Once hopeful for a rapid resolution, many are now grappling with the reality that the violence may linger. "On the first night of the attacks, we thought it would be temporary," stated Ali, a 43-year-old engineer. However, with the ongoing barrage from Israel, he and his family have taken measures to shield their young children from the harsh realities they face, attempting to keep discussions of the conflict at bay.
Behzed, a 40-year-old copyright expert, expressed her shock at witnessing the aftermath of attacks in her own city. "The explosion was clearly visible," she recalled, noting the surreal nature of witnessing conflict at her doorstep. In a similar vein, Arash, a psychologist aged 42, echoed the sentiment that current hostilities feel particularly distinct compared to previous clashes, which were typically punctuated by lulls.
Amidst the airstrikes, internet access has been limited, frustrating residents who seek information and updates about the conflict. With the government’s restrictions, there's a palpable hunger for news among the populace. Many share feelings of anger not only towards Israeli leadership but also towards their own government, with some seeing the attacks as symptomatic of broader economic failures.
Voices like that of Sepideh, a teacher, illustrate the frustration with the Iranian government's handling of economic issues compounded by recent military conflicts. As hope dwindles in the face of escalating violence and governmental failures, Tehran’s citizenry is increasingly caught in a cycle of uncertainty, mirroring sentiments reminiscent of the Iran-Iraq war and the historical trauma of the 1979 revolution. As the night falls over Tehran, many residents share the looming fear that their lives might remain in limbo for the foreseeable future.