With Washington issuing new threats to Iran and ramping up military presence in the Middle East, uncertainty and concern are growing among ordinary citizens in the Iranian capital city of Tehran, as the possibility of renewed confrontation with the U.S. looms.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned on Thursday that any future U.S. strike would be far more severe than last summer's attack on three Iranian nuclear sites, and demanded on Friday that Iran return to negotiations for what he called a "fair and equitable deal," yet emphasizing its strong military presence in the region.
On the same day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in Istanbul that Tehran is ready to return to negotiations with the U.S. on equal footing and free from threats, but insists its defense and missile capabilities will not be part of any talks.
The escalating tensions have raised tension and uneasiness on the streets of Tehran, not only due to potential U.S. military attacks, but also the surging inflation.
"I do not know what will happen. Our situation is not clear at the moment, but I do not think the U.S. will attack," said a local resident in an interview with China Global Television Network.
"We are worried. Everyone is worried about dollars, gold prices, and inflation. Many people think there is a 90 percent chance the U.S. will attack. Iran will stand its ground, and we are also reassured by these words, but these high costs have taken a toll on ordinary people," another resident shared.
"We are not worried at all. No one can do anything to us — neither the U.S. nor Israel. No superpowers can harm us," said still another resident.
U.S. pressure, military threats stir up uneasiness among Tehran residents
U.S. pressure, military threats stir up uneasiness among Tehran residents
International cruise ships brought more than 8,000 tourists to Shanghai over the past weekend, underscoring the growing momentum of the city's tourism market.
Last Saturday, two cruise ships, the Spectrum of the Seas and Mein Schiff 6, arrived in Shanghai with nearly 6,000 tourists, setting a new single day record for daily inbound arrivals at the city's Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal.
Two more ships, the MSC Magnifica and Adora Magic City, arrived the next day, docking alongside Mein Schiff 6. For the first time this year, the terminal received three cruise ships docked simultaneously.
Impressed by China's customs services, tourists shared their feelings after landing.
"The service is very good, very fast. Everything is very quick," said a tourist.
"We're going to Disneyland. It's a cool trip," another tourist expressed her expectations.
During the two-day period, Shanghai port handled more than 20,000 passenger entries and exits, more than half of which were made by international travelers. Over 90 percent of them are benefiting from the visa-free policies.
"[I traveled from] Chengdu to here. I'm here to Beijing and Beijing to the UK," a tourist talked about his schedule, whose destinations in China all covered in the visa-free policies.
"Very good, excellent policy, and anything that reduces the amount of time. We had a week in ten days in China already, then we're gonna come back into the city to do some shopping," another senior visitor said.
Authorities have also introduced measures to improve the visa process.
"To ensure a smooth entry, officials will get on the ships in advance to perform inspections. So, passengers can start their trips as soon as they disembark. While at the airports, we have also provided an online submission system for arrival cards. That will also save their time," said Zhu Xiaoxiang, Deputy Director of Immigration Inspection Division under Shanghai General Station of Immigration Inspection.
So far this year, Shanghai's customs and immigration agents have processed more than ten million visitors, with 305,000 international passenger trips through cruise terminals, marking a prosperous tourism market.
Over 8,000 cruise passengers touch down in Shanghai, providing major tourism boost
