Tehran streets echo with disquiet as ceasefire fizzles
Images from Tehran’s streets reveal a complex and simmering reaction to the brief ceasefire, far from the triumphant pronouncements of both sides.
Confusion and unease grip pro-regime camp
Footage captured by Majid Nouri, the son of a former Iranian prison official, offers a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the confusion and growing discontent amongst those who initially supported the government’s war aims. The footage, filmed overnight and into Wednesday morning, showcases groups of people debating fiercely, a stark contrast to the carefully managed image of unwavering support.
A divided front
The initial arguments, as described by Nouri, stemmed from a lack of expectation regarding the ceasefire – a surprise that quickly morphed into frustration. ‘Most people here don’t trust the US and still don’t know exactly what is going to happen, so they are unsure whether they should be happy or worried,’ explained Ali, a 31-year-old Tehran resident. The chants of ‘Death to America, death to Israel, death to compromisers!’ reverberated through the streets, a defiant expression of lingering animosity.
Velayati’s assessment: a new global order
Meanwhile, former Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Velayati stated on X that the war has engineered ‘a new global power structure and the orientation toward a multipolar system’ in which Iran plays a greater role. This declaration, coupled with President Masoud Pezeshkian’s assertion that the ceasefire was ‘the fruit of the blood of our great martyred leader [Ali] Khamenei,’ underscores the government’s attempt to frame the outcome as a strategic victory.
Economic reopening, lingering fears
Despite the official narrative, scenes of reopened shops and returning traffic offer only a partial picture. Hamid, a grocery owner who had shuttered his business, expressed a cautious optimism: ‘Today feels like there is no war.’ Yet, the underlying distrust remains palpable, fueled by the widespread internet blackouts and the uncertainty surrounding the ceasefire’s longevity – at least 1,900 people have been killed in Iran.
Trump’s ‘win’ – a pyrrhic victory?
The ceasefire, initially perceived as a victory for US President Donald Trump, has yielded little immediate gratification. The conflict, criticized even by Washington’s allies, has created geopolitical chaos and economic instability. The situation remains precarious, with the Strait of Hormuz facing increased scrutiny and the potential for renewed escalation.