Tehran, Iran – The city is slowly returning to life after a devastating 12-day war with Israel and ongoing US sanctions. However, its residents are deeply shaken, and the future remains uncertain.
In a small corner of the long-shuttered US embassy, the Boof cafe serves up refreshing drinks, including distinctive Americano coffees. Barista Amir hopes for improved relations between America and Iran, citing US sanctions that hurt businesses and make travel hard.
A recorded speech by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was broadcast to the nation after Israel’s strikes on its nuclear and missile sites and assassination of senior commanders and scientists. The attack left the state TV station IRIB complex in ruins, with only a charred skeleton remaining.
Iranians are counting the cost of this confrontation, with 627 people killed and nearly 5,000 injured. However, the city is slowly resuming its old rhythms, with shops opening again and traffic filling the highways.
“I’m scared they might attack again,” says Ashraf Barghi, head nurse at Taleghani General hospital, where many injured patients are being treated. “We don’t trust that this war has ended.”
The strike on Evin prison, where most of Iran’s political prisoners are held, was described by Israel as symbolic but is seen by Iranians as a threat to their freedom.
As the city struggles to cope with its uncertain future, Iranians express a mix of emotions – from defiance to sadness. A young woman, Mina, breaks down in tears when asked about her feelings, saying “It’s so heart-breaking… We tried so hard to have a better life but we can’t see any future these days.”
Despite the challenges, supporters and critics of Iran’s clerical rulers are coming together, united by their desire for greater freedoms. As Ali Reza says, “They have to hear what people say.” The city’s resilience in the face of adversity is evident, with a large crowd gathered at the iconic Azadi tower listening to patriotic songs and awaiting guidance from their leaders.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c939k3n41g4o