FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
State-sponsored rallies, public weapons training and increasingly harsh rhetoric are raising tensions in Iran, with many citizens expressing fear of a return to conflict.
As night falls over Tehran and the Alborz Mountains disappear into the darkness, thousands of Iranians take to the streets every evening in state-sponsored rallies against the United States. Near Tajrish Square, in an affluent area of the Iranian capital, chants of “Death to America” can be heard repeatedly, as crowds wave Iranian flags and street vendors offer tea, patriotic hats and national symbols.
“I am ready to sacrifice my life for my country and my people,” said a young woman named Tiana, dressed in the colors of the Iranian flag. “Those who lead the army and the commanders are also ready to sacrifice their lives and fight with all their hearts,” she added, downplaying recent threats by US President Donald Trump to resume military action.
Trump declared on the Truth Social platform that "the clock is ticking for Iran" and warned that the country must act quickly, "otherwise there will be nothing left of it," adding to tensions at a time when peace negotiations have stalled.
An elderly man, holding a handwritten sign in Persian, said that "nuclear and missile technology is as important as our borders and we will protect it."
"We need clean nuclear energy, not a bomb," he said, referring to Iran's refusal to halt its nuclear program, which Trump has made a condition for ending the war.
Meanwhile, fears of new US-Israeli attacks are growing, and many Iranians believe the clash is not over.
"We know this war is not over. Trump is not really negotiating," said Fatima, who said she grew up in London and Dubai.
"According to him, either do as I say or I will attack you. And I think he will attack us even if we obey," she added.
Night rallies have been held in various cities across Iran for nearly three months. In recent days, authorities have also set up public points where civilians are offered basic weapons training.
In Tehran's Vanak Square, a woman in a black headscarf was learning how to use an AK-47 automatic rifle under the guidance of a masked man in military uniform.
A few meters away, a little girl played with a deactivated Kalashnikov, pointing the weapon upwards before handing it back to her instructor.
The message of mobilization is also being repeated on Iranian state television. Several presenters have appeared on screen holding automatic weapons.
Moderator Hossein Hosseini, on the state-run Ofogh channel, fired a gun towards the studio ceiling during a live broadcast, after receiving instructions from a masked member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
On another state channel, presenter Mobina Nasiri appeared holding an automatic rifle and told viewers that she had taken the weapon from Vanak Square "to learn how to use it, just like all citizens."
However, not all Iranians support the war rhetoric.
A short distance from the gathering in Tajrish Square, in a park near the Museum of Iranian Cinema, various citizens were strolling quietly, reading books and drinking tea.
"No to war," said a young man walking past reporters.
A university professor, who asked to remain anonymous, said she and her husband want a different Iran.
“We just want to live in a normal place, where our children have a future,” she said in English.
"We want peace," declared another young woman, indicating that there are different attitudes in Iran in the face of the crisis.
However, as tensions in the Islamic Republic continue to rise and fears of a resumption of war remain high, more moderate voices seem to be getting lost amidst the harsh official messaging.
Lini një Përgjigje