Displaced residents in the Iranian capital Tehran have shared their harrowing experiences after a 12-day conflict, revealing not just the physical destruction but profound psychological scars.
The conflict began on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes on multiple targets across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, killing several senior commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. The attacks came just days before Iran and the United States were expected to resume indirect nuclear negotiations in Muscat, Oman, on June 15.
In response, Iran launched waves of missile and drone strikes on Israel, causing casualties and damage.
On Saturday, the U.S. Air Force struck three key Iranian nuclear sites. In retaliation, Iran fired missiles at the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Monday.
The 12-day conflict ended with a ceasefire between Iran and Israel on Tuesday.
The bombs have stopped for now, but for hundreds of thousands here, the war echoes in every heartbeat. Beyond the rubble lies a deeper crisis - one that may not be visible but is felt in the tremor of a hand or in the eyes of a child who no longer sleeps through the night.
Local residents said that the country now faces an uncertain future following the twelve days that shattered Tehran's skyline and disrupted its sense of peace.
"Just before the ceasefire came into effect, our home was completely demolished. As you see, the building is uninhabitable. In those first nights, we were trapped and unsure what to do. I realized war inflicts deep psychological wounds alongside physical ones. I hope there is no war around the world and all people experience peace," said Gilani, a displaced resident.
"I stood outside the office, not daring to enter. I loved it here. I'd worked here for years; it was my second home. But now nothing is left. I don't think we can ever go back - it's gone for good," said Masoomeh, another displaced resident.
Tehran residents share their harrowing experiences following Israeli strikes
Some Iranians in Türkiye are crossing back over the border, driven by worry and desperation, as a nationwide communications blackout in Iran has left them cut off from their loved ones.
Protests have erupted in many Iranian cities since Dec. 28. They initially began with Tehran bazaar merchants demonstrating against the sharp devaluation of the national currency rial, and soaring inflation, before spreading to other cities. The unrest has led to casualties among both security forces and civilians.
At the Turkish-Iranian border, many are returning with no certainty about what awaits them, filled instead with questions and growing fear for those on the other side of the border.
"I went to Van yesterday for internet. I urgently needed to use the internet. I got it done. Now I'm heading straight back. There are protests everywhere. We can't get any news. We can't communicate with our families. And it's not just me, there are many Iranians outside the country who can't reach their families," said Feriste, an Iranian citizen.
With communications blacked out across Iran, those outside the country feel powerless to check on the situation back home. For some, this silence has prompted them to return across the border, even as tensions continue to rise.
"We can't get any news. There is no internet. Everything is shut down. I want to search. I want to find out. I want to see my brother. I'm going to see my family," said Husnu, an Iranian citizen.
"I work in Türkiye, and I have no news from Iran at all. I'm going back because I'm worried about my family. It's been days since I last heard from them, and because I'm worried, I'm returning to Iran now. Of course, we are concerned about our safety. We don't know what awaits us there," said another Iranian.
With protests escalating and government blackouts still in place, many Iranians are caught between staying in safety abroad and risking everything to reconnect with their families.
"We had to come to Türkiye because we couldn't reach our families. Schools were closed already. All official institutions were shut down. We have no information about other cities either, because there is no communication network there. There is no television, no internet. We can't even check Twitter," said Nazlican, another Iranian citizen.
Iranians in Türkiye return home, fearing for their families amid unrest in Iran
Iranians in Türkiye return home, fearing for their families amid unrest in Iran
