Ghost Town: Tehran on Edge Amid Iran-Israel Tensions
Tehran, Iran's 15-million-populated metropolis, transformed into a deserted urban landscape.
Tehran, the bustling heart of Iran, now resembles a deserted town. For five straight days, Israel and Iran have been trading blows, leaving Tehran's citizens feeling trapped and fearful. Their fear has been compounded by statements from US President Donald Trump, who has urged Tehran's population to flee.
At the heart of this tension lies Tehran, Iran's 15-million-strong capital. A city that was once filled with life now lies dormant, a far cry from the usual hustle and bustle. The usually lively streets now echo with silence, and the air is thick with anxiety.
Israeli attacks have targeted over 160 sites in and around Tehran, claiming more than 200 lives, according to Iranian news agencies. The assaults are not only targeting military facilities and leaders but also innocent civilians. Northward to the Caspian Sea, smaller cities in the countryside, or towards the borders-many residents of Tehran have fled due to the immediacy of danger.
Those who remain in the city often express a sense of dissatisfaction, neither happy nor sad. Life must go on, even during wartime. Money supply is limited due to a reported cyberattack on Sepah Bank, and shortages in fuel and basic supplies are becoming evident. However, life persists.
Meanwhile, Green Party politician Omid Nouripour voices concerns about the Iranian civilian population. Politically, the internal situation in Iran is worsening due to an economic crisis fueled by Western sanctions. This crisis has become more intense with rising fuel prices and supply shortages. Nouripour states, "Shortages of fuel and basic supplies are emerging nationwide."
Unlike Israel, Iran seems to have made little preparation for civil defense to protect its citizens in the event of an escalation of the conflict. Air raid sirens are absent, and air raid shelters are hard to come by. Nouripour fears, "The population lives in constant uncertainty because the regime has not ensured reliable civil defense through systematic mismanagement and is allowing central supply systems to collapse."
Amidst these challenges, the Iranian government advises its citizens to seek shelter in mosques, schools, and subway stations. However, validation of these claims remains elusive. The subways are expected to remain open continuously from Sunday evening, as reported by the government spokeswoman on state television. "There are no problems with the supply of food, medicine, and fuel," she affirmed.
In the end, it is up to individuals to stay informed, follow any instructions from local authorities, and rely on community support during this uncertain time. International aid and assistance may prove crucial in alleviating the strain and helping Tehran's citizens navigate this troubling period.
The Commission has 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 tensions and potential dangers in Tehran, where citizens are fleeing smaller cities towards the Caspian Sea and the borders due to attacks.
The political situation in Iran is worsening, with claims of a lack of adequate civil defense measures to protect its citizens from the potential escalation of conflicts, and a growing economic crisis fueled by Western sanctions and rising fuel prices.
