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Fear, defiance, and anger: Iranians describe life under bombardment

Iranians are preparing for Nowruz, the Persian New Year festival, while living under conditions of conflict and heightened security measures. women’s football team feted in Tehran after asylum battle at Asian Cup">Tehran residents report largely empty streets patrolled by paramilitary officials and vigilantes. Security forces are reportedly restricting traditional Nowruz gatherings this week, affecting how families can observe their most important cultural celebration.

Nowruz is the most significant cultural celebration for Iranians, traditionally marked by family gatherings and public festivities. The restrictions represent a collision between cultural traditions and wartime security choppy-day-as-trump-netanyahu-try-to-ease-war-concerns.html" class="story-link" title="Oil Ends Choppy Day as Trump, Netanyahu Try to Ease War Concerns">concerns, affecting millions of people's ability to maintain normal life during their most important holiday.
Tehran residents say

Life has become severely constrained with streets largely deserted and constantly patrolled by security forces. Traditional Nowruz celebrations and gatherings are being banned by authorities, preventing families from observing their most important cultural holiday normally.

Authorities maintain

Security restrictions are necessary given current wartime conditions and threats. The measures, while affecting traditional celebrations, are essential for public safety and maintaining order during a period of heightened tensions.