‘Even under missiles we carry on living’ – how young Iranians are coping with war
Even under missiles we carry on living
Tehran was blanketed in snow on Tuesday night, a rare sight that contrasted with the city’s recent struggles under relentless air strikes targeting oil facilities. The strikes had left skies dark and streets coated in blackened rain for days. Yet, amid the chaos, daily routines persist. Sahar, a 20-something woman, described her life as centered around sheltering at home, where she cooks, reads, and plays a virtual life simulation game. “I’ve noticed my creativity has grown during the war,” she shared with BBC Persian. “The stress pushes me to build more elegant homes in the game.”
“Why do we have to endure such horror when we’re in our best years? I just want this to end before Nowruz. Those early spring days are my favorite.”
Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is just under a week away, a time traditionally marked by family gatherings and bustling markets. However, this year, the usual festive energy is absent. Peyman, a man in his 30s, noted the eerie silence in Tehran. “The metro is empty—so empty that each passenger leaves 30 or 40 seats vacant. The streets are quiet enough to imagine playing football in the middle of the road,” he said.
Some residents have fled to safer areas, like the Caspian Sea region. Mina, a 20-something in Rasht, recounted how her family urged her to leave Tehran, but she hesitated due to her roommate’s reluctance. “The night the oil depots were hit, our flat shook violently, and windows glowed as if dawn had arrived,” she remembered. After the attack, she and her family finally moved, their car streaked with stains from the polluted rain.
“We talk daily about the things we’ll do once the war is over. Maybe we’ll dye our hair lighter,” she said, reflecting on her friend’s decision to stay behind.
Despite government-imposed internet blackouts, Iranians have found ways to stay connected. Starlink devices, which operate via satellites and small ground-based Wi-Fi routers, have become crucial for communication. However, using the service risks up to two years in prison, prompting people to hide the equipment from authorities.
Mehran, a 20-something in Tehran, shared his Starlink setup with at least 25 others. “I’ve concealed the device in a remote spot to avoid detection or interference,” he explained. Though internet access is sold for around $6 per 1GB on Telegram, he offers his connection for free to loved ones.
“You must buy it from someone you trust—otherwise, they might disconnect you after you’ve paid,” said Shima, a 20-something using Starlink to stay online.
With 14 million people living in Tehran and its surrounding province, the war has forced many to seek refuge elsewhere. Yet, even as the city grows quieter, its inhabitants remain determined to continue life as best they can.
