Iranians have begun to stockpile food, water and other daily necessities amid growing fears for an extended conflict with the United States and Israel.
The U.S. and Israel on Feb 28 launched strikes against Iran, plunging the war-torn Middle East into a new round of violence. Iran has retaliated with a series of counterattacks against Israel and U.S. targets across the region.
At least 1,332 Iranian civilians, including women and children, have been killed in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes and thousands more injured, Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations Amir-Saeid Iravani said on Friday.
After hostilities erupted, many residents rushed to leave Tehran, worried that the capital could become a major target. But others have chosen to stay, adapting their daily lives while preparing for the unknown.
"Since we are living in a chaotic region for half a century in a country which is not stable, either the economy or political conditions, we have been saving some essential needs like water and rice, which are the main foods we are in need of, then spaghetti, pasta, some canned goods. These are things that keep us (through) at least two weeks, and we hope this critical situation will not last longer," said Ahmad Saremi, a Tehran resident.
While families are stocking up at home, daily life in Tehran has not completely stopped, even as the country remains under attack. For now, most shops remain open and residents say they are able to buy what they need.
At a market in Alborz Province, just outside Tehran, businesses are still open despite the uncertainty.
"At first we were worried there might be shortages. But thankfully, whenever I come here most products are available. Sometimes item such as oil may run out for a short time, but usually other essentials such as rice and pasta are still on the shelves. We were glad that this shop is close to our home, so we got everything in time," said Ehsan, a resident in Alborz Province.
Staff of the shop said the first days after hostilities began were chaotic, as many residents rushed to buy supplies, but the initial panic buying has eased as supply chains stabilize.
"In the first few days after the war started, many people rushed here and we faced some shortages. But after about three days, supplies arrived again. Now we receive four tons of products every three days, and as you can see the shelves and warehouses are well stocked," said Amir Hossein, a sales assistant of the shop.
"Because of the war, people started buying groceries in a panic, especially non-perishable items. But gradually things are becoming more normal and people are mostly buying what they actually need," said Morteza, another sales assistant.
Iranians stockpile daily necessities in case of prolonged conflict
