Deserted Capital: Tehran Braces for More Conflict
Tehran, Iran's Expansive Metropolis, Falls Silent and Empty
In the last five days, the tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated dramatically. While Israel's citizens have ways to protect themselves, the civilian population of Iran's 15-million-strong capital, Tehran, faces a different reality. A city known for its bustling energy has transformed into a ghost town, gripped by fear, uncertainty, and tension.
Lately, Tehran resembles a desolate landscape, with many streets eerily quiet. This transformation has been partly fueled by statements from US President Donald Trump, who has called on the residents of the city to evacuate. During his journey back from the G7 summit in Canada, Trump mentioned aiming for an "end" to Iran's nuclear program, hinting at a direct intervention by the American military. The specific implications for Tehran's residents remain uncertain.
On the very first day of attacks, the Israeli army claimed they had targeted 160 strategic locations in Tehran and its surrounding areas. In the following days, over 160 more sites were bombarded. The consequences of these attacks are far-reaching, affecting daily life in the metropolis.
Civilian Casualties and Loss of Essential Services
The escalation of attacks and assassinations has not only targeted military facilities, leaders, and high-ranking security forces but also claimed civilian lives. Iranian news agencies have confirmed over 200 deaths so far. With the infrastructure and essential services increasingly under pressure, the population of Tehran faces significant challenges.
As a result of the conflict, the streets of the usually vibrant city are quiet. Once thriving markets and supermarkets now stand empty, with power outages and disrupted water supplies making life even more challenging for those who remain. Air conditioners have malfunctioned in many areas, adding to the discomfort caused by the sweltering heat.
A Mixed Emotion Among the Residents
While some have fled to nearby cities, towns, or even neighboring countries, others have decided to stay, braving the constant sound of explosions and the looming uncertainty. "Most apartments are empty," shares Ramin, a 34-year-old bazaar business owner. The fear of war doesn't sit well with him, as he expresses his dissatisfaction with the regime but the desire for peace.
On the other hand, Mohammed Resa, a 27-year-old supermarket salesman, continues his work despite the chaos. He acknowledges the frequent explosions but emphasizes the need to carry on, even experiencing an unintended boost in sales. With a smile, he shares that even day-old bread, once barely sellable, is now in high demand. He tries to balance out supplies, striving to cater to everyone's needs.
Economic Instability and Humanitarian Crisis
Germany's Green politician Omid Nouripour has sounded the alarm over the escalating crisis and its implications for the Iranian civilian population. Even before the conflict, people in Iran were struggling due to Western sanctions and an economic crisis, now further complicated by rising gas prices and shortages of essential goods and services. The situation in Tehran and across Iran is deteriorating.
In response to the heightened tensions, the Iranian government has encouraged the population to seek shelter in mosques, schools, and subway stations. However, the lack of reliability in these proposals, due to systemic mismanagement and collapsed central supply systems, raises concerns about the population's safety.[1]
Sources: 1
Insights from Enrichment Data:
- The conflict between Israel and Iran has seen overt military actions, marking a shift from covert operations and proxy conflicts.
- The ongoing conflict could lead to significant physical damage and civilian casualties in Tehran.
- The economic instability caused by the conflict could exacerbate the humanitarian situation in Tehran and beyond.
- The international community may increase diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, but the success of these efforts remains uncertain.
- The instability in the Middle East caused by the conflict could potentially draw in other regional actors or proxy groups.
The 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 danger of war-and-conflicts and the ensuing instability caused by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran in Tehran. In the midst of the political turmoil and general news headlines about the escalating crisis, it is crucial that the necessary safeguards are put in place to protect civilians from additional risks, such as radiation exposure during bombings or evacuations.
