‘Anything but normal’: Uncertainty as Iranians try to get by amid US war | US-Israel war on Iran News
Tehran, Iran – In the wake of escalating conflict, daily life in Tehran has been overshadowed by concerns over war and economic survival. Residents have been absorbed in discussions surrounding the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, amid renewed hostilities with Israel.
For several days, many in the Iranian capital carried the heavy weight of this conflict to their workplaces. U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that a peace agreement might be achievable, despite the recent exchange of fire between Iranian and Israeli forces.
During a busy workday on Monday, a 33-year-old office worker noted that despite hearing a loud bang in the distance, people did not immediately flee. “You get used to it at some level,” he said, choosing to remain anonymous. “But the truth is that this is anything but normal.”
Recent Israeli military strikes targeted Tehran and other regions, including a petrochemical facility in Bandar-e Mahshahr. These actions followed missile launches from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in retaliation for an attack near Beirut. Israeli officials indicated that further military action may follow, while Iranian authorities warned of severe consequences if Lebanon is harmed.
The exchange of fire between the U.S. and Iran escalated over more than a week prior to the strikes, as the U.S. continues to impose economic sanctions that have burdened Iran’s economy. On Tuesday, Trump accused Iran of downing a U.S. military helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that a response is necessary.
In a central Tehran cafe, a young digital marketer expressed doubt about the possibility of a long-term resolution between the U.S. and Iran, citing contradictory statements from both sides. “The two of them don’t go with each other,” she stated. “How could they reach a deal when one of them says something and the other says something completely different?”
A local gym instructor echoed this sentiment, suggesting that any interim agreement would not alleviate the hardships faced by Iranians. “At best, that can postpone everything until after the end of the World Cup, or a few months more, which will be a few more months of everything getting harder for us,” he explained.
As the economic situation deteriorates, many struggle to maintain their standard of living. The cafe owner lamented changes to his menu due to rising prices and dwindling demand. He reported that the cost of coffee had skyrocketed in just a few weeks. “I get a headache looking at the news,” he stated, highlighting the uncertainty brought on by the conflict.
Chronic inflation has plagued the Iranian economy, fueled by mismanagement, corruption, and the impact of U.S. sanctions that have restricted access to international markets. The war and blockade have intensified these hardships, resulting in an inflation rate exceeding 83 percent by late May, with food prices soaring by 130 percent.
Concerns over internet access also surfaced following missile launches that were shared widely on social media. A young man in western Tehran prepared for potential internet shutdowns by securing extra data plans for a virtual private network. While the anticipated shutdown did not occur, internet access remains severely limited following a prolonged state-imposed blackout during the conflict.
Despite the challenges, pro-government demonstrators continue to gather at night, albeit in smaller numbers than at the war’s outset, chanting slogans against the U.S. and Israel under the protection of security forces.
