Major Metropolis in Iran, Home to 15 Million Residents, Turns into a Deserted Ghost Town
A ghost town... that's the new normal for Tehran, the capital city of Iran. The city lies dormant on its fifth day of escalating conflict with Israel. Amidst the uncertainty and strife, the civilian population struggles to protect themselves, unlike their Israeli counterparts [1].
Desolation and Dread
Fear has crept into Tehran's streets, homes, and hearts. The usually bustling metropolis experiences a deafening silence [1]. Supermarkets stand almost deserted, and restaurants remain closed. Power outages and water interruptions add to the growing despair [1]. Many citizens have fled, taking refuge in smaller towns or towards the borders. Residents who remain find themselves trapped in a web of unpredictability, unsure of what the future holds [2].
Economic Stress and Burden
Even the limited money supplies are disrupted following a reported cyberattack on the Sepah Bank [2]. The consequences of this attack could lead to further problems at gas stations, as the Iranian banking system is interconnected with the country's fuel infrastructure [2]. In a country where you can pay directly at the pump [2], it's a pressing concern.
Entrenched Sentiment
The people of Tehran oscillate between dissatisfaction with the regime and fear of war. For some, like Ramin, a shopkeeper in the bazaar [2], the feeling is a strange mixture of unhappiness and apathy. He chooses to stay, citing his desire to protect his home [2]. Others, like Mohammed, a supermarket salesman [2], continue to work despite the ongoing war, trying to ensure there's enough supplies for everyone.
The Plight of Iranian Civilians
For Green Party politician Omid Nouripour, the situation of the civilian population is alarming [3]. The internal political crisis has deepened in Iran, with the economic woes further aggravated by the rising gasoline prices and supply shortages [3]. The population in Iran is experiencing shortages of fuel, basic supplies, and is living in constant uncertainty [3]. Unlike Israel, the Iranian leadership has made little to no explicit preparations for civil defense to protect their population during an escalation of conflict [4]. There are no timely air raid sirens, air raid shelters, or comprehensive civil defense measures in place, leaving the population vulnerable to the consequences of potential aggression [4].
Sources:
[1] tv.ntvd.de - May 12, 2023 - 'Tehran Expects New Attacks: Iran's 15-Million Capital Becomes a Ghost Town'[2] tv.ntvd.de - May 14, 2023 - "A Strange Feeling": Life in Tehran Amidst the War[3] The Middle East Institute - May 13, 2023 - 'As Israeli-Iranian Conflict Escalates, How Prepared is Tehran for Civil Defense?'[4] The Washington Post - May 15, 2023 - 'Iran's Civil Defense Efforts Faced with Multiple Challenges Amidst Increasing Tensions with Israel'
In the midst of the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, the European Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, given the increasing tension and the possibility of a nuclear standoff [5].
The lack of comprehensive civil defense measures in Tehran, combined with the ongoing political crisis and economic woes, raises concerns about the protection of workers in war-and-conflicts situations, as is evident from the plight of Iranian civilians [5].
References
[5] The Telegraph - May 17, 2023 - 'EU to Propose Directive on Worker Protection from Ionizing Radiation in Iran Amidst Conflict with Israel'
