Hours prior to the cease-fire, the city experienced sustained attacks, with various residents sharing their terrifying experiences. Mariam, an art gallery owner, expressed her fears as she evacuated with her son, saying, “I pray that when I return tomorrow I still have a house." The echoes of explosions were heard throughout the capital, with individuals like Mostafa Shams, a journalist, and Amir, a resident of Tehran, documenting the chaos online.

Further complicating the situation, many residents reported power outages, amplifying their anxiety. The risk of bombings drove some to the streets, with Ramin from Chitgar describing the night as a terrifying ordeal shaken by powerful blasts. However, as dawn broke with the announcement of a cease-fire, there was a flicker of hope among the beleaguered population, as Ramin rejoiced, “Is it really over? Thank God."

As the cease-fire takes effect, the road to peace remains uncertain, but the night of terror has left a profound mark on the residents of Tehran, illustrating the urgent desire for stability in a region plagued by conflict.

Farnaz Fassihi is the United Nations bureau chief for The Times, where she leads coverage on Iran and has extensive experience documenting Middle Eastern conflicts.