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Iranians fear ‘pressure will 100% increase’ after US, Israeli strikes stop
Iranians are worried that an agreement with the US will free the regime to return to asserting control over its people
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Iranians striving to maintain a semblance of normal life after weeks of US and Israeli bombing and a deadly crackdown on protesters in January remain daunted by the future, as damage from air strikes and internet cuts take a toll.
With talks expected on extending a truce and agreeing an end to the conflict, shops, restaurants and government offices have stayed open. On sunny spring mornings, city parks are busy with picnicking families and young people playing sports, while others gather at streetside cafes.
But behind such peaceful scenes, Iran’s economy is in tatters and people are fearful of a new government clampdown and angry about the destructive air strikes. The difficulties that spurred mass unrest in January look likely to worsen.
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Iran’s foreign minister on Friday said the Strait of Hormuz was open following a ceasefire accord for Lebanon, while US President Donald Trump said he believed a deal to end the Iran war would come soon.
“The war will end, but that’s when our real problems with the system begin. I’m very afraid that if the regime reaches an agreement with the United States, it will increase pressure on ordinary people,” a 37-year-old named Fariba who took part in the January unrest said by phone from Iran.
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