Iranians Stockpile Food and Avoid Travel Amid War Fears

Iranian citizens are preparing for potential renewed conflict, driven by growing concerns over escalating tensions and possible attacks by the United States and Israel. Residents in Tehran have described a pervasive sense of fear and are taking precautionary measures, including stocking up on food, withdrawing cash, and avoiding non-essential travel. Some individuals are even calling in sick to work to stay home.

Parents are debating whether to send their children to school, while business travelers are canceling trips due to fears of airport closures and dangerous road conditions. People are flocking to gas stations to fill their vehicles and are hoarding basic food items. Social media influencers are advising followers to keep a low profile and avoid unnecessary journeys.

One Tehran businessman, Majid, 42, told The New York Times that he told his wife not to wake their son and to keep him home, with daily decisions on how to proceed. His wife, who works at a government office that could be a target, planned to report sick. Many Iranians interviewed by the newspaper requested anonymity due to fear of reprisal from the regime.

Shadi, a teacher in Tehran, stated she would go to work unless the government closed schools, focusing on how to protect her students and prevent them from being frightened by potential explosions during class. For some, preparing for conflict has become a routine. Hanam, a 38-year-old musician, expressed less fear after two previous rounds of fighting, but is more worried about the economic situation and finding ways to earn money.

These civilian preparations coincide with heightened political rhetoric. U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated he is considering an attack on Iran after the U.S. midterm elections if a diplomatic agreement isn't reached, reiterating that Iran cannot possess nuclear weapons. U.S. officials have stated that specific plans for renewed strikes have been formulated by the U.S. and Israel, though Trump has the authority to veto such actions. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has also called for joint efforts with the U.S. to overthrow the Iranian regime, raising concerns in Iran about potential Israeli military strikes before the U.S. elections.

Despite official statements of readiness to respond forcefully to any attack, some Iranian politicians and commentators are urging caution to avoid further suffering and instability. Javad Emam of the Reform Party stressed that the nation would pay the price for war. Ali-Reza, a 54-year-old veteran of the Iran-Iraq war, expressed anger over government opacity and the inability to find a peaceful solution, lamenting that war brings only death and destruction amidst economic pressure.