Tehran Residents Refuse to Flee Amid Israeli Bombing, Defying US Warnings

Strategic Insights -

Mahin, an 80-year-old Tehran resident, remains in her home despite the city being a target for Israeli strikes. Like millions of others, she feels more comfortable staying at home than evacuating. "Where shall I go?" she asks. "I feel more comfortable at home." The blast from the strikes has left her shaken, but she refuses to leave. The roads out of Tehran have been choked with people trying to flee since the first strikes last Friday, with new waves of departures triggered by Israel ordering an evacuation of one district and US President Donald Trump urging everyone to leave immediately.

Key Takeaways:

  • Almost 1,500 people have been killed or injured in Iran due to Israel's strikes, according to the health ministry.
  • Many Tehran residents are choosing to stay in the city despite the danger, with some even watching from rooftops as the bombings occur.
  • The city's infrastructure, including grocery stores, bakeries, and medical centers, remains operational despite the war.
  • Trump's warning of escalating violence has frightened some, while strengthening others' resolve to stay in the city.
  • A private sector employee, Shirin, has refused to leave, saying that the Iranian people will not pave the ground for the enemy.
  • Iran's health minister has appealed to international organizations to intervene, warning that attacks on nuclear facilities could release radiation across the region.
  • The US considering joining Israeli military action has left many residents fearing for the country's future amid mounting casualties and destruction.

Statistics:

  • Almost 1,500 people have been killed or injured in Iran due to Israel's strikes.
  • The city of Tehran has a population of 10 million people.
  • The number of people who have left the city is unknown, with reports of petrol stations being overwhelmed and long queues.
  • Israel's strikes have caused localized radiation within the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, but not severe.
  • More than 1,481 people, mostly women and children, have been injured or killed since Friday.

Sources:

  • Atta Kenare/AFP/Getty
  • Iran's health minister, Mohammad-Reza Zafarghandi
  • US President Donald Trump
  • Israeli government
  • Tehran residents and officials
  • Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei