A local resident in Tehran has shared an up-close and firsthand account of life under a barrage of Israeli strikes, showing the extent of damage caused to several buildings in the Iranian capital and describing how daily activities and businesses have been affected.
Amid heightened tensions, Israel struck several Iranian government targets in Tehran on Monday in a series of strikes, responding to missiles and drones fired by Iran in the wake of the Trump administration's massive strikes on Iranian nuclear sites the day before.
Local resident Maral compiled a vlog as she drove past some of the worst affected areas in Tehran on Monday, giving a glimpse into the impact the conflict is having.
"The city is still not back to its normal operations. There are black flags everywhere to show solidarity with the martyrs," she said.
"To my left, this is one of the buildings that was shot about a week ago. Supposedly it was a hub for Iranian high-ranking authority figures. And to my left again, this building was a government public lot," Maral said in her video.
She also noted that a normally bustling taxi station in the city's Tajisha Square was now operating at only around 30 percent of its usual capacity amid the Israeli strikes, and said repair work is ongoing at several targeted locations.
"This area was attacked about a week ago by an Israeli drone, so the building that came down, you can see here to my left. It caused some damage to water pipelines, and this area was experiencing some water shortages, but now they are fixing it," said Maral as she stopped by a damaged building in the city.
The impact of the strikes has also had a profound effect on businesses at the Grand Bazaar of Tajrish, with Maral observing that most shops remained shuttered.
"This place is usually very crowded. It's one of the busiest areas and shopping centers in north Tehran. However, as you can see right now, not many shops are open, only some grocery stores open right now. And as I walk through the bazaar, I can hear the attacks. There are some attacks right now, we can hear them," Maral said as she walked through the bazaar.
Local resident shares situation on ground in Tehran following Israeli strikes
Local resident shares situation on ground in Tehran following Israeli strikes
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
