TEHRAN – Anger mixed with worry as Iranians in the capital of Tehran woke up Saturday to images of their country’s retaliatory attacks on Israel.
Iranian state television, historically influenced by staunch supporters of the country’s religious leadership, repeatedly broadcasted footage of missile attacks on Tel Aviv throughout the morning. Additionally, the network aired scenes of people cheering in front of a large screen in Tehran, simulating the atmosphere of spectators watching a soccer match.
The traffic in the capital city was notably lighter than usual, partly attributed to the observance of the Shiite holiday known as Eid al-Ghadir. This holiday commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s announcement of Ali as his successor, a significant figure revered as the first Shiite imam. Ali’s subsequent assassination contributed to the division between Sunni and Shiite Islam.
Even before the attacks began, many Iranians had traveled outside the city to enjoy days off in places along the nearby Caspian Sea.
The festive atmosphere during the holiday made the news of the missile attacks even more startling, particularly as the strikes resulted in the deaths of numerous high-ranking members of Iran’s military and paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, marking a level of loss not witnessed since the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s.
It’s a new experience for many of Iran’s 80 million people who weren’t alive for that devastating conflict, which included a period known as the “War of the Cities,” in which Iraq rained ballistic missiles, artillery fire and airstrikes on Iranian cities.
“Israel killed our commanders and what they expect in return? A kiss?” said Mahmoud Dorri, a 29-year-old taxi driver. “We will go after them to punish them: an eye for an eye.”
In downtown Tehran, 31-year-old teacher and mother of two Pari Pourghazi expressed her joy over Iran’s attack, linking it to Israel’s devastating war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
“Someone should stop Israelis. They think they can do anything they want at any time,” she said. “Iran showed Israelis are wrong though they could suppress people of Gaza or Lebanon by heavy bombing.”
Auto mechanic Houshang Ebadi, 61, also backed the Iranian strike but said he opposed a full-fledged war between Iran and Israel.
“I support my country. The Israelis made mistake in launching attacks on Iran but I hope this comes to end,” Ebadi said. “War will not bear fruit for any side.”
Others expressed concerns, verbally or through their actions. At one Tehran gas station, some 300 vehicles waited to fill up, with drivers growing frustrated.
“Sometime there is a queue because people fear that the refineries may be targeted, sometimes there is a line because of a power outage,” said Nahid Rostami, a 43-year-old stylist. “When is this emergency situation going to end?”
Fruit seller Hamid Hasanlu, 41, said his twins couldn’t sleep Friday night with the sounds of explosions and anti-aircraft batteries firing.
“Leaders of both countries should know that people are suffering,” he said.
Bakeries also drew crowds as people sought to buy supplies including traditional Iranian bread, a staple of meals.
“I buy more bread since I think maybe there is no flour or electricity because of the war,” said Molouk Asghari, a 56-year-old homemaker. “I have children and grandchildren. I cannot see them in a hard situation without food, water and electricity.”
Across the country, people faced the continued strain of the conflict as Iran’s airspace remained closed.
“Who knows what happens tonight?” said Rostami, the stylist.
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