The Lebanese are hoping for a fast economic improvement while celebrating Eid al-Adha.
Lebanon is suffering further impact on its economy amid Israeli airstrikes.
"Regarding the Eid al-Adha holiday, we hope that our Arab and Lebanese brothers living abroad will return to Lebanon and resume their activities, because this is very important to us, because Lebanon has changed. We hope there will be calm," said Mohammad al-Rayyes, a member of the Hamra Traders Association.
"There's a decline. People are under pressure and have huge expenses, and the country's situation is worrying. As you can see, the flight conditions, the atmosphere, and the war. I mean, we're still living in a war zone. People are worried, and that's why they're not spending all their money," said Mohammad Abi Samra, a shop owner.
Economic activities are picking up in Beirut during the Eid al-Adha holiday which began on Friday, giving hope for recovery.
"There is a glimmer of hope due to the formation of the new government and the election of His Excellency the President of the Republic, whom we look forward to with great hope. And we feel that we may see something new after he assuming the presidency. Our first demand as the people of Lebanon is to improve the economic situation," said Ahmed Al-Rayyes, a university professor.
"When there is an economic boom in Lebanon, work is available to everyone in all sectors," said Mohammad Badr, a merchant.
The joy of the holiday is not absent from the streets of Lebanon despite all the difficulties.
Lebanese hope for economic improvement amid Eid al-Adha
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
