The situation in Tehran is dire, with residents facing a double threat: the ongoing war and the looming specter of food shortages. A city once bustling with life now stands on the brink of uncertainty.
US and Israeli strikes have intensified the crisis, leaving Tehran's residents grappling with the reality of a prolonged conflict. Amid internet blackouts, some have managed to share their experiences with BBC Persian, painting a picture of a city in turmoil.
One resident, Pouya, reported a surge in prices since the war began. "Rice, a staple, has skyrocketed to 625 tomans from its pre-war price of 530," he said. Potatoes, too, have seen a significant price hike.
In a move to address the issue, Iranian state news outlets announced a ban on the export of all food and agriculture products, a decision aimed at prioritizing the provision of essentials to its citizens.
But the challenges extend beyond food. Shayan, a resident of Karaj, an hour's drive from Tehran, noted the increased cost of internet packages, making it increasingly difficult to stay connected.
Omid, a 26-year-old Tehran resident, expressed his concerns about the duration of the conflict. "People are growing anxious as the situation drags on," he said. Omid had initially expected the US and Israel to target specific individuals, like Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose assassination on Saturday sparked the attacks. "I thought the attacks would be over by now," he added.
However, the strikes continue, with Omid reporting more explosions on Tuesday afternoon. As a result, he's stocked up on essentials, a common practice among residents.
The city's streets, once vibrant, now echo with a different kind of sound - the sound of silence. "There's a heightened security presence, but the streets are empty," Omid said. "Some shops have closed, especially those near the affected areas."
Explosions were reported in the capital on Monday and Tuesday, with residents like Maryam, who was near the missile strike on Monday night, describing the attacks as "terrible." "Our house was shaking," she said.
While some residents have fled Tehran due to the attacks, Maryam intends to stay. "We're enduring the strikes until they're all gone," she said, referring to the officials being targeted. "If we don't get killed, we'll remain here as long as there's a call for protests."
The death toll in Iran since the US and Israeli strikes began on February 28th stands at around 787, according to the Iran Red Crescent Society. The Israeli military has claimed responsibility for hitting Iran's presidential office on Tuesday, along with other infrastructure targets.
Videos verified by the BBC show explosions to the east of the capital, in Pardis, further evidence of the ongoing conflict.
In retaliation, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks on Israeli government and military sites in Tel Aviv and other locations. Strikes have also been reported in countries hosting US bases, including Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, the UAE, and Kuwait, as well as in US-allied Oman and Saudi Arabia.
But here's where it gets controversial: Iran has been accused of expanding its attacks to include shipping, civilian sites, and even the US embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This widening of targets has sparked debate and raised questions about the nature and scope of the conflict.
And this is the part most people miss: the human impact. Beyond the political and military strategies, it's the residents of Tehran and other affected areas who bear the brunt of this conflict. Their stories, their fears, and their resilience paint a picture of a city and a nation struggling to survive amidst chaos.
What are your thoughts on the situation in Tehran? Do you think the international community is doing enough to address the food shortages and other challenges faced by its residents? Feel free to share your opinions and engage in a respectful discussion in the comments below.
