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The Iranian capital is gradually returning to life after a 12-day Israeli military operation that left the city shaken and its residents grappling with fear and uncertainty. The intense bombardment, coupled with U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, has left deep scars on the nation, both physically and emotionally.
At the Boof cafe, located in the grounds of the former U.S. embassy – a site long symbolic of severed ties with Washington – barista Amir serves iced coffees under a sign reading, "Keep calm and drink coffee." The cafe, surrounded by anti-American murals, reflects Iran’s complex relationship with the West. "U.S. sanctions hurt our businesses and make it hard to travel," Amir said, expressing hope for improved relations despite the tense atmosphere.
Nearby, the charred remains of Iran’s state television station, IRIB, stand as a stark reminder of the recent Israeli missile strike on June 16. The attack destroyed the main studio, leaving behind twisted metal and ash. Israel claimed the site housed a military operation, a charge denied by IRIB journalists. The Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, delivered a televised address from a bunker, accusing the U.S. of seeking Iran’s surrender and condemning decades of hostility.
In Tehran’s hospitals, the human toll is evident. At Taleghani General Hospital, head nurse Ashraf Barghi described treating severe injuries caused by an Israeli strike on Evin prison, which Israel called a "symbolic" attack. "The injuries were the worst I’ve seen in 32 years," she said, voicing fears of further attacks. Morteza, a prison worker injured in the strike, dismissed Israel’s claims that only military targets were hit, showing wounds on his arms and back.
The government reports 627 deaths and nearly 5,000 injuries from the conflict. As Tehran’s highways and bazaars slowly reopen, residents remain on edge. At the iconic Azadi Tower, an open-air concert by the Tehran Symphony Orchestra drew crowds seeking solace, but the mood was heavy. "We tried so hard for a better life, but we can’t see any future," said Mina, a young woman overcome with emotion.
Iranians, both supporters and critics of the regime, expressed frustration and defiance. Ali Reza, a resident, called for greater freedoms, while 18-year-old student Hamed criticized Israel’s strikes as an attempt to dictate terms to Iran. The nation now awaits the next moves by its leaders and the international community, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi admitting significant damage to nuclear sites and ruling out resumed nuclear talks with the U.S.
As Tehran clears debris and mourns its losses, the ceasefire announced by President Donald Trump on Tuesday offers little reassurance. For many, the fear of renewed conflict looms large, casting a shadow over hopes for a stable future.
