In Iran, War Isn’t News — It’s a Feeling

Life Under the Shadow of War in Iran

For many Iranians, war is not a sudden event — it is a constant shadow that has always been there.

Generations have lived through conflict, especially the eight-year war with Iraq. Because of that, war is not unfamiliar. In a strange way, it feels almost personal — like a destructive member of the family. Harmful, unwanted, but somehow always present.

Urban Atmosphere

In recent months, tensions have felt closer than ever. Not always visible, not always confirmed — but always present.

There have been reports of strikes across different parts of the country.

On March 7, 2026, a strike reportedly hit a police-related facility in Hamadan province.

At the same time, accounts suggest that residential areas have also been affected — homes, streets, and civilian spaces are no longer completely untouched.

In my city, Hamadan, there have only been a few bombardments. But even then, there was no mass panic.

People talk about airstrikes as if they have seen them their whole lives — like it’s something ordinary, something expected.

There are also local accounts of incidents affecting residential neighborhoods, including areas such as Ostadan district, where homes have reportedly been damaged.

A Controlled Presence in the Streets

Inside cities, the biggest visible change is political. Since the beginning of these tensions, authorities have increased their presence in the streets, especially at night. Loudspeakers, gatherings, and organized crowds have become part of the urban soundscape.

What is deeply concerning — not only for Iranians, but for people around the world — is that these gatherings appear to be becoming more militarized over time. There is also a noticeable presence of children in these events, which raises further questions and concern.

While these scenes are presented as public support, their scale and intensity have made them one of the most visible changes in everyday urban life.

A Strange Normality

One of the strangest things is that daily life has not changed as much as one would expect.

Border terminals, especially near Turkey, have become quieter — not more crowded. There are even accounts of Iranians returning from abroad.

But beyond that, life goes on.

Maybe that’s the most unsettling part —

not the explosions, but how normal everything still feels.