Iranians face renewed anxiety as US-backed attacks intensify

Sources contacted by Reuters expressed significant stress over the unpredictable nature of the hostilities, making it difficult to plan even for the immediate future. Amir, a software engineer, detailed struggles with crippling debt and finding work due to internet disruptions that impacted his remote work capabilities. Similarly, Nazanin, a psychotherapist, found that the currency crisis made her long-held desire to pursue a PhD abroad financially impossible.

Despite the hardships and fears of government reprisals, many Iranians expressed a strong desire to remain in their homeland. Nazanin cited her worry for her family's well-being during earlier attacks as a reason for not wanting to leave them. Somayeh, a photographer, stated that even if she had the means to leave, she would not, emphasizing her life, home, and family are in Iran. Hiwa views the war-amplified economic issues as potential catalysts for social change, possibly leading to public unrest.

Amir drew parallels to the Iran-Iraq War, recalling sentiments of staying under one's own roof, and questioned the feasibility and desirability of becoming refugees in other countries.