After attack, Tehran residents fear war while officials project business as usual
Some say they’re unaware of strikes as state media downplays Israeli response to Oct. 1 missile barrage; others are concerned: ‘If they attack, it’s us who will be crushed’
TEHRAN, Iran (AFP) — Residents of Tehran awoke and went about their business as planned on Saturday after their sleep was troubled by Israeli strikes that triggered blasts that echoed across the city.
The night skies had been criss-crossed by light trails from air defense weapons, but by mid-morning the capital had resumed its usual rhythm and buses wove through the streets, taking troubled Iranians to work.
Iranian officials and media have played down the attack, but on the streets of Tehran, many were concerned that it had marked a new escalation and a step towards all-out war.
Hooman, a 42-year-old factory employee, was on a factory night shift when he heard the blasts.
“It was an echoing sound… terrible and horrifying,” he told AFP. “Now that there is war in the Middle East, we are afraid that we will be dragged into it.”
Israel attacked Iran in response to Iran’s October 1 missile strike, which came days after Israel killed Hassan Nasrallah, the longtime leader of Iran’s Lebanese proxy Hezbollah.
On Saturday, the IDF said it had conducted “precise strikes on military targets in Iran,” in response to what it said were “months of continuous attacks from the regime in Iran.”
It warned Tehran not to “make the mistake” of responding.
Iran confirmed Israel targeted military sites in Tehran province as well as other areas, saying the blasts heard were the “activation of the air defense system” intercepting the Israeli attack.
At least four Iranian soldiers died in the strikes.
Some in Tehran voiced fears over an escalation of the conflict.
“If they attack, it will be us who will be crushed,” said Moharam, a 51-year-old day laborer.
Others, however, said they were entirely unaware that an attack had even happened.
Iranian media has downplayed the attack, which also targeted areas in the border provinces of Khuzestan and Ilam, and reported it caused “limited damage” thanks to Iran’s air defense forces.
State media carried footage showing traffic flowing normally in several cities as people went about their daily business.
Iranian officials emphasized that all school activities and sports events were to be held as scheduled.
Flights over Iran were briefly suspended for a few hours following the attack, but later resumed as scheduled.
Sepideh, a 30-year-old insurance manager, said she woke up Saturday and hurried to work like usual despite her worries.
“War is frightening… but I don’t think a terrible war will happen in Iran,” she said.
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.
