Civilians of Iran's capital, Tehran, spoke out after an Israeli airstrike destroyed a residential-commercial building, as part of a deadly 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel that has left a trail of destruction on both sides.
The conflict ended in a ceasefire on Tuesday. Despite the truce, the damage to people's lives and feelings is clear everywhere on the streets of Tehran.
One of the affected areas was a four-story building in the capital, hit during the height of the attacks. Local resident Mehdi, who works in the building, emphasized that it wasn't connected to Iran's military or government.
"I don't know why Israel attacked here. This isn't a military facility. It's just a residential building. All the floors are either private homes or small office spaces," he said, noting that his company had just completed renovations two or three days before the strike.
Masoumeh, another employee who works in the building, was not present during the strike but returned to find it in ruins.
"I was born in the 1980s. If war happens, I will fight. I will stand in front of the enemy. Israel is a terrible country because they only care about killing and starting wars. Tell me which country has Iran ever attacked first?" she said. Many Iranians said the damage clearly contradicts Israel's claims that it was only targeting military infrastructure. Civilian homes, offices, and some neighborhoods were damaged or destroyed in attacks across the country.
While the ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope, public confidence is low. Given Israel's track record of violating ceasefire agreements in Gaza and Lebanon, Iranian citizens remain deeply skeptical about the prospects for long-term peace.
The Israel-Iran conflict began on June 13, when Israel launched airstrikes on multiple targets across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities. The attacks killed several senior commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. They came just days before Iran and the United States were expected to resume indirect nuclear negotiations in Muscat, Oman, on June 15.
In retaliation, Iran launched waves of missile and drone strikes on Israel, causing casualties and damage.
Tehran residents recount fear, loss after Israeli airstrikes
Tehran residents recount fear, loss after Israeli airstrikes
Tehran residents recount fear, loss after Israeli airstrikes
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
