‘Anything but normal’: Uncertainty as Iranians try to get by amid US war
Iranians face worsening economic hardship as escalating tensions between Iran, Israel, and the U.S. persist, with recent missile exchanges and a U.S. blockade exacerbating instability. Daily life in Tehran remains disrupted, with residents reporting rising prices, uncertainty over potential peace deals, and fears of prolonged conflict disrupting normalcy.
Iranians are grappling with economic strain as a prolonged conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the U.S. deepens. Over the past week, Iran and Israel exchanged missile strikes, including an Israeli attack on Tehran and a petrochemical complex in Bandar-e Mahshahr, following Iran’s retaliation for an assault on Lebanon’s Dahiyeh region. The U.S. has also accused Iran of shooting down a military helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz, with President Donald Trump vowing a response. In Tehran, residents describe a sense of unease despite attempts to maintain routine. A 33-year-old office worker noted that while people remain alert to explosions, daily life continues as if nothing is amiss, though conditions are far from normal. Meanwhile, a digital marketer expressed skepticism about long-term peace, arguing that fundamental differences between Iran and the U.S. make resolution unlikely. The economic toll is evident in rising costs, with a café owner reporting a 250% increase in coffee prices over three weeks. Vendors across Tehran complain of plummeting sales and unpredictable inflation, leaving many struggling to afford basic goods. The owner described feeling "pummelled" by the uncertainty, with no clear end to the crisis in sight. Trump has suggested a potential peace deal could be near, though Iranians remain doubtful. A gym instructor predicted any agreement would only delay hardship, possibly until after the World Cup, leaving citizens to endure further economic decline. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned of harsher retaliation if Israel continues targeting Lebanon, while Israeli leaders signal future strikes remain possible. The U.S.-imposed blockade has further strained Iran’s economy, compounding the effects of the conflict. Residents fear prolonged instability, with no immediate relief despite diplomatic efforts. For now, daily life in Tehran balances between resilience and growing despair as the war’s impact deepens.
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