Iranians striving to maintain a semblance of normal life after weeks of US and Israeli bombing and a deadly crackdown on protesters in January remain daunted by the future, as damage from airstrikes and internet cuts take a toll.
With talks expected on extending a truce and agreeing an end to the conflict, shops, restaurants and government offices have stayed open.
On sunny spring mornings, city parks are busy with picnicking families and young people playing sports, while others gather at streetside cafes.
But behind such peaceful scenes, Iran’s economy is in tatters and people are fearful of a new government clampdown and angry about the destructive airstrikes.
The difficulties that spurred mass unrest in January look likely to worsen.
Iran’s foreign minister on Friday said the Strait of Hormuz was open following a ceasefire accord for Lebanon, while US President Donald Trump said he believed a deal to end the Iran war would come soon.
“The war will end, but that’s when our real problems with the system begin. I’m very afraid that if the regime reaches an agreement with the United States, it will increase pressure on ordinary people,” a 37-year-old named Fariba who took part in the January unrest told by phone from Iran.
“People have not forgotten the regime’s crimes in January, and the system has not forgotten that people do not want it. They are holding back now because they don’t want to fight on a domestic front as well,” she said.
The bombing has killed thousands, according to official death tolls, including many at a school on the first day of the conflict.
