Tehran residents are gathering emergency supplies and expressing mixed views about escalating tensions with Israel, with some calling for diplomatic solutions whilst others support continued military action.
A mother in the Iranian capital told bnm IntelliNews she was "gathering supplies, water, bread, canned food" but remained worried about family members. She urged Iran to "announce the abandonment of its enrichment and hand facilities over to end this war," warning that "Iran doesn't stand a chance, the Islamic Republic will drown us along with itself."
Business activity continues despite the conflict, according to several residents. A shopper speaking with bnm IntelliNews said supermarkets remained well-stocked after spending three hours purchasing foodstuffs.
A banker working in central Tehran took a different stance, arguing Iran "must press ahead with the missile attacks using more powerful warheads and more advanced projectiles" as the only way to put pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end military action.
"As an Iranian I stand with the armed forces," he said, whilst also calling for Iran to "return to the US for a deal ASAP."
Economic impacts are becoming apparent across the city. A taxi driver reported seeing "a massive drop in trade" but said he still needed to work "to feed our household," mentioning he waited "three hours for fuel."
A Tehran executive who recently purchased property expressed concerns about the timing of the conflict. "Don't you find it all a bit strange, though, that all of a sudden Israel is randomly bombing us the moment we are about to sign a truce with the US over the nuclear programme?" he said.
He added: “I don’t know how long the economy can continue in this current fashion, but my clients are still ordering from our designers.”
Some residents are forming petrol queues despite stable fuel supplies, according to local news on June 17. The report stated fuel supply and distribution "remain completely normal and stable throughout the country despite imposed war conditions."
An industrial worker told bnm IntelliNews he was not leaving Tehran, saying: "I am just sitting on the roof most nights, watching the fireworks," adding: "where can I go when my family are all in Tehran?"
Meanwhile, a barber expressed frustration about being unable to leave, saying: "God damn it, I can't get out, I don't have the money, I can't get a visa."
We also spoke to one student, who said there could be potential issues if Iran goes to the negotiating table with the US after the Israeli bombing campaign across the capital.
“If they reach a deal, then there will be trouble,” he said, indicating public opinion has now turned against a deal with the Americans.
