Tehran – Since the start of the war and the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, life in the capital has changed dramatically. People are afraid of the aerial bombings and the numerous checkpoints set up by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) across the city. At the same time, residents are trying to continue their daily lives as normally as possible.
United Nations figures from last month show that three million people across the country have fled the violence of the war. Tens of thousands of Tehran residents have also left the city. NOS spoke with Iranians who decided to abandon their homes because of the bombings.
A 55-year-old photographer from Tehran who has chosen to leave the city said: “We endured the bombings until yesterday. We hoped the violence would die down. I wasn’t afraid until now, but the situation gets worse every night. Last night the whole house shook. At first I was completely sure they wouldn’t attack civilians, but I no longer believe that.”
A 50-year-old technician from the capital described the scenes as “like something out of a movie”: “Many buildings have collapsed. My family convinced me to come north, where they are staying. Now about twenty of us are living in one house.” He says they drink tea or play games together in the evenings. “Being together distracts me from the misery.”
According to Yaghoub Sharhani, an Iran specialist and journalist for De Groene Amsterdammer, family is the main reason why many Iranians are temporarily leaving. Large numbers are heading to the shores of the Caspian Sea, where many Iranians usually spend the Iranian New Year holidays. Sharhani wonders whether they will be able to return, given that many roads have been damaged.
He notes that, for now, relatively few people are actually leaving Tehran. “When you look at Iran’s population of 93 million, the 600,000 to one million displaced households mentioned by the UN represent a relatively small group.”
There is also a large group that returns to the city after a short time. A musician who left with his family came back after two weeks for work. “I left my wife and parents there. I don’t want to lose my job. After all this, I could go bankrupt.”
Upon his return, the musician found his city completely different: “Some buildings have been totally destroyed. It feels like a different neighbourhood. Some neighbours are still here, but it’s much quieter.” The local shopkeeper was happy to see him. “He said they have to keep the shop open. They need the income.”
Cost is a decisive factor
Sharhani also points out that financial situation determines whether many people can flee or not. In addition to concerns about income, transportation out of the city and temporary accommodation are very expensive for many Iranians.
A businessman who spoke to NOS returned to Tehran after just four days. “It was too crowded in the north and we had no privacy. It was impossible.” Fear of violence in Tehran did not stop him. “I just wanted to go home. It may take some time, but we endure it day by day.” He assumes his street will remain safe.
High-profile figures are being targeted
Although Sharhani confirms there are civilian casualties, many Iranians believe the United States and Israel are only striking military targets. The journalist says: “People return as soon as the worst violence in their neighbourhood subsides. But if more civilian infrastructure is hit, it could cause many more people to flee.”
It is clear that bombings are also taking place in residential areas, such as dozens of police stations and apartment complexes where important figures of the Iranian regime are believed to be hiding. According to statistics from the human rights organisation HRANA, at least 1,598 civilians have been killed since the beginning of the war.
A female teacher said: “Who knows who lives on the next street or which apartment is being used for something else?” Nevertheless, she is not leaving. “I’m not abandoning Tehran. Everyone around us has gone north, but I want to stay.”