Iranian Citizens Endure Month of Airstrikes, Economic Collapse Amid Ongoing Conflict

One month after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes began hitting Tehran, Iranian civilians are facing daily bombings, business closures, and economic hardship. The conflict comes after massive protests in January that resulted in thousands of deaths and arrests, leaving many Iranians uncertain about their country's future.

CAIRO (AP) — Iranian citizens were already struggling with economic devastation and the violent suppression of mass demonstrations when American and Israeli airstrikes first hit Tehran one month ago.

Today, they face an ongoing conflict with no clear resolution, dealing with economic ruin, property destruction, and the constant stress of explosions. Many question what lies ahead — whether their nation will be destroyed, if the religious government will collapse in chaos, or if it will endure but become even more oppressive.

“I think we’ve experienced everything bad possible,” said a 26-year-old designer in Tehran, “from the terrible atmosphere of January and the killings and arrests to the war.”

Constant explosions, both nearby and distant, create unpredictable destruction to residential areas. Commercial enterprises are facing severe difficulties. A complete internet shutdown since January has isolated citizens from global communications and hampered domestic connectivity.

The psychological impact of warfare compounds the trauma from January’s events, when hundreds of thousands of Iranians participated in the largest anti-government demonstrations in recent history — only to face security forces who opened fire, resulting in thousands of casualties. Tens of thousands were imprisoned, with detentions continuing.

The Associated Press interviewed 10 individuals throughout Iran, with most requesting anonymity for safety reasons.

The designer, who operates a leather fashion manufacturing business with a partner, reported her company is close to shutting down.

“When the economy gets bad, nonessential goods are the first thing to be removed from the shopping cart,” she said. Most of her revenue comes from online sales, and the internet shutdown has virtually eliminated “the small sales to zero.”

Following the January demonstrations, she has survived on limited savings, and the brutality of the government response has emotionally prevented her from returning to work.

When hostilities commenced on Feb. 28, she relocated to her parents’ residence. Days later, an explosion from a nearby attack damaged her apartment, which she had recently vacated. Like most Iranians, she lacks homeowner’s insurance, meaning she must cover repair costs personally.

She only ventures from her parents’ home to purchase essential items.

The frightening rhythm of air attacks defines everyday existence in Tehran.

An engineer residing in Tehran attempts to identify patterns in the strikes – questioning whether certain periods are safer. Recent evenings have featured explosions illuminating the night sky. One night, a blast rattled his residence while entertaining guests. They went to the rooftop and unsuccessfully tried to locate the impact site. “We didn’t see any visible fire,” he said.

He believes the attacks are less common now, or perhaps “our perception of it has changed,” as people become accustomed to the bombardments.

He experiences worry when relatives or friends venture outside, and has difficulty sleeping. He received a job opportunity before the conflict began but remains uncertain if it still exists. He predicts many will soon face challenges paying housing costs and utilities.

Public sector employees, representing a significant portion of the labor force, continue receiving paychecks. However, private companies struggle to compensate workers as they shut down for extended periods or reduce operating hours.

The devaluation of Iran’s currency, primarily resulting from American and international sanctions related to its nuclear activities, sparked the protests in late 2022.

Numerous Iranians have evacuated to northern regions, which have experienced less damage. Rasht, one of the primary northern cities, has become overcrowded with refugees from Tehran and other areas, overwhelming local infrastructure.

A physician at a children’s hospital reported patient numbers have almost doubled. Medical supplies are depleting, he explained, and patients must now purchase basic necessities, including antibiotics and IV solutions, from outside vendors.

The internet blackout hampers his ability to review patient records and verify proper medication dosages online, he noted. The shutdown has also forced him to abandon his personal project documenting casualties from January’s crackdown because witnesses cannot be contacted and online databases are inaccessible.

He occupies his time with video games and television viewing. During a recent week-long period, he has watched five seasons of “The Walking Dead,” the American post-apocalyptic horror series.

Meanwhile, Iranians continue grappling with conflicted emotions regarding the war, the religious leadership, and what lies ahead.

Officials persist in organizing pro-government demonstrations to display public backing. The intimidating paramilitary Basij force, responsible for domestic security, has increased street presence despite being targeted in air raids.

The engineer noted that decades of poor governance have been difficult for Iranians. However, he argued this doesn’t warrant the American-Israeli attacks. He expressed anger over the fatalities and destruction of infrastructure and military capabilities.

He’s attempting to transform that anger into resolve for reconstruction. “I’m going to be stronger after this war. I will be damaged, just like my country. But that’s it. This is life. We’re going to make it better.”

At the conflict’s beginning, U.S. President Donald Trump urged Iranians to remove their leaders. Currently, he claims to be in discussions with high-ranking Iranian officials who he alleges are “begging” for an agreement, without identifying them. Iran has rejected claims that such negotiations are occurring.

Some Iranians worry the conflict will result in a damaged but increasingly authoritarian Islamic Republic.

One woman in her 40s expressed greater fear of negotiations than warfare. “This is what our situation has come to — we are willing to endure war in the hope of being freed from them,” she said.

The physician in Rasht described the war as “the last remaining option” for removing the ruling religious leaders. However, he has concerns about American and Israeli military tactics. If the U.S. reaches an agreement now, he argued, it would only strengthen the theocracy.

“We now have the Islamic Republic on steroids,” he said. “We are afraid they will take this revenge out on the people, which they very openly see as the enemy from inside.”

In southwestern Iran, an attorney who has defended prisoners and women’s rights advocates — and has been incarcerated herself — spoke to the AP earlier during the conflict, expressing hope for the Islamic Republic’s eventual collapse. She discussed the strength of collective action and self-governance.

After a month of bombing campaigns, she appeared more reflective, quiet, and worn down by isolation and uncertainty.

“There is no sign of hope, no dreams, no joy,” she said. “Worry about the future has taken over.”