Tehran resumes its regular pace, yet locals express doubts about the longevity of the truce they're experiencing.
In the bustling Tajrish bazaar of Tehran's north, opinions on the announced ceasefire by President Trump were mixed.
"Sustainability is questionable," grumbled Ahmad Barqi, a garget dealer at the ripe age of 75. "We desire a truce, yes... but promises aren't kept, Israel doesn't stick to its word," he muttered, referring to the Israelis.
"It seems Israel is violating the peace," echoed Alireza Jahangiri, another merchant, sharing news of three reprisal airstrikes reported by state media since the truce.
Fortunately, Tehran remained unscathed during this troubled dawn, after a night shaken by more explosions than ever before in the war.
"Thank goodness, we've made it so far," sighed a relieved Tehrani strolling in the park, while nearby cafes pulsed with youth reveling in reunions.
The capital's residents have battled on through this ordeal, yet the future may still see those who fled Tehran staying away.
"We'll see, I think we'll stick around another week to keep an eye on things," said Amir, 28, over the phone with AFP.
"Bam, tranquility"
Amir confessed he froze in fear upon hearing Trump declare a ceasefire on social media in the dead of night.
"It was shocking! Trump announced a two-week think-over and then bomb strikes everywhere! 'No regime change,' he says... boom! Peace. Honestly, I'm unsure about the ceasefire, but I don't think things will return to normal," he opined.
Benyamin, 28, too, felt uneasy about the prospect of peace, but was left with no choice save to return to the capital from the Caspian Sea beaches due to slashed income.
The 12-day conflict wrought havoc on Tehran's economy, shuttering businesses and public offices, while commercial districts in the most exposed neighborhoods stood eerily desolate.
Israeli strikes had targeted various facilities, including government buildings, military bases, Revolutionary Guards' establishments, and Iran's nuclear program. Civilians also suffered significant casualties during these attacks.
"War damages everyone financially," Jahangiri bluntly stated. "However, it's best to focus on the aggression our beloved country endures right now."
The Iranian authorities trumpeted the ceasefire as a victory that compelled the enemy to regret, admit defeat, and cease hostilities unilaterally. Yet they cautioned, "We remain deeply distrustful of our adversaries and remain ready for a decisive response should aggression resume."
The optimism surrounding the ceasefire veers tentatively, kept in check by the lingering tensions and unresolved conflicts beneath the fragile truce.
"The ceasefire's effect on business remains uncertain, as Ahmad Barqi pondered, given the past failures to uphold agreements," a concerned Ahmad shared.
"Politics and war-and-conflicts cast shadows over the economy," Benyamin, 28, mused, feeling the strain of Egypt's turmoil on his own financial prospects.
