‘People are gripped by huge fear’: defiance and hope on the streets of Tehran

‘People are gripped by huge fear’: defiance and hope on the streets of Tehran Bombarded by the US and Israel, Iranians worry about how to survive – and what comes next The war in the Middle East in maps, video and photos Fear, defiance, and quiet celebration intermingled in Tehran with everyday chores, local people said, as Iran’s capital continued to be rocked by American and Israeli airstrikes. Residents said that many people had moved to the countryside or were trying to do so, believing it was safer away from military targets. In Tehran, military and police installations are located in residential areas and there were rumours security forces were moving into schools and mosques. Reza, a carpenter, who did not want to give his full name, said over the phone that vital public services such as hospitals were open, but schools were closed. More security forces and their vehicles were visible on the streets, he said. “The situation in Tehran is very tense, people are scared, and everyone is trying to stay home,” said Reza. “People are gripped by huge fear about more airstrikes.” Amid an internet blackout, people were struggling to work out how much of Iranian media reports about airstrikes at home and the country’s successes in hitting Israel and other nations was true. Some said that they were surprised how strong Iran’s military appeared to be, targeting many nations simultaneously and managing to keep up the barrage. The streets of Tehran were quiet, but grocery shops and even restaurants were open. When there were airstrikes, people rushed to the roofs of their buildings to see what had been hit. The Guardian spoke to residents among the few in Tehran who had internet access over encrypted services, and reached others on their landlines. AJ, a man in his thirties who wanted his initials used to protect his identity, who had internet access, said that on Monday, from the roof of his Tehran block of flats he saw a missile whiz overhead and land in a district where ...