The escalating conflict between the US and Iran has created a new normal of fear, violence, and repression for Iranians, with airstrikes, repression, and water shortages becoming the norm. Bandar Abbas, a strategic port city on the Strait of Hormuz, has been under nightly strikes for nearly two weeks, with residents describing a sense of acceptance and resignation. The city's writer, Soroush, notes that the population is adapting to the new reality, despite the ongoing threat of bombs and regime bullets. This psychological shift is a dangerous development, as it may lead to a sense of helplessness and despair among the population.
The impact of the war on civilians is evident in the stories of residents in Bandar Abbas and Jask. Mehnaz, a 39-year-old worker, is struggling with internet shutdowns and power cuts, which have severely affected her earnings. Moein, a resident of Jask, is in a state of panic, preparing for a long-running war and ensuring access to water. The strikes on water facilities in Sirik have left thousands of residents rationing water, highlighting the severe impact on daily life and basic needs.
The war is also taking a toll on Iran's human rights situation, with at least 400 people executed since the beginning of the year, including teenagers, foreign nationals, protesters, and former political prisoners. The Oslo-based group Iran Human Rights estimates that hundreds more are facing capital punishment. This dire situation has led to a sense of despair and helplessness among Iranians, with some fearing that the US and the regime will continue to take revenge for their losses.
The conflict has also raised concerns about the impact on civilians, with the US strikes on desalination plants in Iran's hot and dry south posing a particular danger. Bombing infrastructure that people rely on will not make Iranians embrace those carrying out the attacks, but it may weaken the government. Ordinary people pay the immediate price, and the country is left with damage that could take years to repair. The war is creating a new normal of fear and uncertainty, with Iranians trapped in a cycle of violence and repression, and the future remains uncertain.
