In the wake of ongoing conflict in West Asia, residents in Tehran, Iran’s capital, are growing increasingly alarmed. With unclear statements from Washington and threatening remarks from Tel Aviv, fear is palpable among the population.
Iranians living in India shared on Friday that their families back home have begun to evacuate from urban areas. Many fear a potential ground assault as rumors swirl about imminent military action. One Iranian national named Roya, who has lived in Mumbai for several years, expressed her concern: “There is panic. People are very worried. No one knows if the talks about a ceasefire will actually help or if the airstrikes will continue.” She mentioned that her family and friends in Tehran are relocating to more rural and supposedly safer areas.
Reza, another Iranian living in Bengaluru for about four years, noted that residents are starting to stock up on groceries and other essentials. “They’ve experienced intense bombing and are scared,” he said. He reminisced about how, during the Iraq war, it became common to gather supplies for at least two months. Currently, while Tehran hasn’t faced a food shortage, many have lost trust in U.S. leadership and worry about potential escalations in the conflict.
Connectivity is another major issue for families. Reza lamented the difficulty of reaching loved ones back home, as incoming calls to Iran from abroad remain restricted. However, he noted that the Iranian government has allowed some video calls through social media apps, providing a small comfort. “I was able to see my family through a video call on Friday after almost a month,” he shared. “We couldn’t speak much, just cried. Only time will tell what happens next.”
