Ordinary Iranians, though in hope for peace, emphasized that Iran must safeguard national interests in talks with the United States, which remain at a standstill so far.
They said that the Iran war has inflicted severe damages to Iran's economy and people's lives. Although many hope negotiations could bring a definitive end to the war, they said that the U.S. has repeatedly sent contradictory signals, making it difficult for Iranians to place trust in the process.
"The war has caused massive damages. A lot of people lost their jobs, including myself, and many people are struggling to make a living. If an agreement can be reached, I think things will get much better, but I don't know if that's possible. Words from the United States have changed many times. I've seen them changing words many times during this period, so they are not very trustworthy," said Rosha, a Teheran resident.
Noting that the U.S. has put forward many demands that do not align with Iran's national interests in negotiations, the Iranian people said that Iran's negotiating team must prioritize the interests of the nation and the people, warning that if Iran concedes, the country could face renewed political and economic pressure from the U.S. and Western countries in the future.
"Our country has suffered losses in both lives and property. Negotiations should be conducted in a way that does not dishonor the dead and the victims. That is indeed how it should be. We do not expect Iran to gain 100 percent of the benefits, but at least Iran should benefit equally, at the very least fifty-fifty," said Babak, a local resident.
Many business people in Iran said that the war has not only inflicted psychological trauma, but also destabilized the foreign exchange market and stalled commercial activity, weakening the country's economic vitality. They hope tensions will ease so that Iran can achieve peace and prosperity.
"I hope the shadow of the war can disappear from each of us, because this war has truly caused enormous psychological trauma for everyone. My family, friends, and everyone around me are not doing well right now. I hope the war ends in a way that genuinely benefits the Iranian people, because we have suffered greatly -- our soldiers and leaders are victims too. It's terrible. I hope the war ends, people gain peace, and the economy can flourish," said Navid, another resident.
The U.S. and Iran reached a temporary ceasefire on April 8. Since then, commercial districts in Iran's capital Tehran have begun to recover, with shops reopening and supplies stabilizing.
Iranians hope for peace, but insist on protecting national interests as talks with US stall
Iranians hope for peace, but insist on protecting national interests as talks with US stall
