Iran conflict, USA News (London): Four Iranians, risking their lives to speak out, have described the mental torture of being trapped in the Islamic regime following joint US and Israeli strikes ordered by Donald Trump. The attacks, aimed at deposing the rulers and destroying their nuclear threat, were followed by an uneasy ceasefire after thousands of deaths and weeks of relentless attacks. With identities withheld for safety, the testimonies depict a country at breaking point as people wait to see if the US president orders further military operations.
Reflecting on the mood on the streets, one shop owner said, "The feeling of the Iranian people right now is waiting, and this waiting causes depression. Iranian society is very sad at the moment." Another source noted, "Everyone is hopeless and depressed," adding that they have no sense of security about the near future. Despite the fear, some express certainty that the government will fall, hoping to flood the streets to celebrate the end of the Islamic Republic.
Day-to-day life continues to deteriorate. One man cited an unverifiable inflation rate of over 300 percent, noting that the price of a Peugeot 207 rose 15 percent in a single day. "You may not believe it, but life here is truly hell," he said. Operating shops has become exceptionally difficult. The shopkeeper reported that 60 to 70 percent of people are focused solely on acquiring food and basic necessities, while purchasing power plummets.
As society fractures and government oversight disappears, some individuals are exploiting the situation. One source stated, "As things get worse, even though everyone tries to adapt, the structure of society is breaking down. Corruption is spreading, and theft and fraud are increasing." Meanwhile, unscrupulous merchants are profiting from price hikes in the absence of government price controls.
Looking ahead, the sources anticipate worsening conditions and potential famine if war breaks out again. Opinions regarding Britain are sharply divided. Two sources expressed deep skepticism, claiming Britain has never supported the Iranian people and fears potential assassinations and attacks on British soil linked to Iran. Conversely, the other two sources took hope from recent political developments, praising the UK prime minister for taking harsh positions and decisive action against terrorism, while hoping for democratic support from abroad.
