US-Iran Conflict Escalates, Impacting Iranian Civilians

Kathmandu. The war between America and Iran has intensified again. With this, uncertainty about the future, economic crisis, and mental stress are increasing among the general public of Iran. 

After the fragile ceasefire that lasted for some time was broken and attacks resumed, daily life has become even more difficult. 

According to various Iranian citizens who spoke to Reuters via encrypted messaging app, prices have risen sharply due to the war. Somayeh, a 40-year-old photographer from Tehran, said that the price of daily necessities has almost doubled compared to before the war. According to her, the biggest problem now is the economy. 

‘Life is getting harder every day. One day there is war, the next day there is talk of peace. No one knows what will actually happen. We cannot even plan for two days from now,’ she said. Amir, a 30-year-old software engineer from Sanandaj in western Iran, was married shortly before the war began. 

He said that his employment, like that of others who work online, has been severely affected by the government repeatedly shutting down internet services. According to him, he had incurred a large debt due to not getting work for months. He said that just a few days ago, when he got a new job, the war intensified again, increasing his worries about the future. 

Nazنین, a 34-year-old psychiatrist from Sanandaj, said that her plan to go abroad for higher studies was not possible due to the sharp depreciation of the Iranian currency. She said that she has now decided not to leave the country as she would worry more during the war if she were far from her family. Somayeh from Tehran had also thought of leaving Iran before. 

However, it was not possible due to the currency crisis, and now, even if she gets an opportunity, she will not leave the country as her home, family, and life are in Iran. Hiva, a resident of Mahabad, warned that the increasing inflation and economic difficulties due to the war could eventually lead to social discontent and street protests.