Iran's Government Maintains Firm Grip as War Scars Mark Tense Capital
Tehran, the capital of Iran, is visibly marked by the scars of war, yet the government appears to be firmly in control amidst a tense and subdued atmosphere. In an exclusive interview with Sky News, Iran's deputy foreign minister, Dr. Saeed Khatibzadeh, emphatically stated that the country's supreme leader remains alive and fully 'in charge,' while condemning the ongoing conflict as illegal and lacking any mandate.
A City Under Siege: Daily Life Amidst Missile Attacks
On the second day inside Iran, a nation embroiled in war, the sounds of outgoing anti-aircraft fire and incoming missiles have become a regular backdrop in Tehran. Many residents have fled the city, leaving those behind to carry on as best they can, with police stations and checkpoints frequently targeted. Remarkably, after just two weeks, people barely seem to register the nearby sounds of war, focusing instead on daily survival.
In the markets, shoppers prepared for Nowruz, the Persian New Year, sharing fears and concerns, though most were unwilling to speak on camera. Beyond the war, this conflict follows weeks of protests and a subsequent crackdown, adding to the city's anxiety. Some expressed hope for change post-conflict, but more pressing worries dominated, such as recent bombardments that came too close and the uncertainty of how the war will end.
Symbols of Continuity and Defiance in a War-Torn Landscape
After a grueling 48-hour overland journey through Armenia's snowy border passes, the entry into Tehran revealed striking images: huge banners lining the highways featuring the faces of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and his assassinated father, projecting a message of continuity. Despite the government's firm control, the new leader has not been seen in public, fueling speculation.
Dr. Khatibzadeh, in his interview, delivered an angry and defiant message, warning the United States against considering 'boots on the ground' in Iran. He likened such a move to the Vietnam War, labeling it reckless and something the U.S. would come to regret, emphasizing that it would be the action of a rogue nation.
Human Toll: Devastation and Resilience in Tehran's Ruins
Tehran is dotted with the scars of Israel and America's air campaign, including entire flattened buildings. While strikes are described as precise and targeted, the human cost is stark. One elderly man, found in the blackened ruins of his apartment after a missile hit next door at the war's start, recounted the mid-afternoon attack that occurred without warning.
The blast wave blew in windows, filling the flat with dust and smoke, and left his wife and daughter injured with shrapnel and broken bones. They underwent surgery but had to leave the hospital quickly, as multiple medical facilities have also been hit. Now recovering, their home is devastated, and residents live in constant fear, wondering if the next building on the target list could be theirs.
As one of the few international news teams granted visas, Sky News continues to report from Tehran, highlighting the resilience and ongoing struggles of its people amidst the conflict.
