Conditions of Iranian Citizens, Filled with Fear and Pressure After the War
The war in the Middle East has eased after Iran announced the opening of the Strait of Hormuz with certain conditions and stipulations. Nevertheless, uncertainty still shrouds the region, particularly after the United States (US) affirmed it would continue blockading Iranian ports.
Iran has also threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz again if the US persists with the blockade. At the same time, US President Donald Trump has indicated the possibility of not extending the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran.
Amid this uncertainty, Iranian citizens are endeavouring to maintain normal life after weeks of being bombed by the US and Israel. Beyond that, the brutal crackdown on demonstrators in January 2026 casts a dark shadow over the nation’s future.
Quoted from Reuters on Saturday (18/4/2026), further talks between the US and Iran are expected to result in an extension of the ceasefire period. In the current situation, shops, restaurants, and government offices remain open in Iran.
City parks are bustling with families picnicking and young people playing sports, while others gather at roadside cafés.
However, behind this peaceful scene, Iran’s economy is in tatters. The populace lives in fear of the new government’s harsh actions. They are also angry and saddened by the relentless airstrikes that have destroyed their homes. The hardships that sparked mass unrest in January 2026 are predicted to worsen.
Iran’s Foreign Minister stated on Friday (17/4) that the Strait of Hormuz has been opened following the ceasefire agreement for Lebanon, while US President Donald Trump said he is confident that a deal to end the Iran war will soon be reached.
“The war will end, but that’s when our real problems with the system will begin. I am very worried that if the regime reaches a deal with the US, it will increase pressure on ordinary people,” said Fariba, a 37-year-old man who participated in the January demonstrations, speaking to Reuters by telephone from Iran, as quoted on Saturday (18/4/2026).
“The people have not forgotten the regime’s crimes in January, and the system has not forgotten that the people do not want it. They are holding back now because they do not want a civil war either,” he added.
The US-Israeli attacks on Iran have killed thousands of people, according to official casualty figures, including many at a school on the first day of the conflict. Those attacks have also destroyed infrastructure across the country, raising prospects of mass layoffs.
Iran’s revolutionary theocracy appears stronger after withstanding weeks of intense attacks and asserting control over global oil supplies.
“Iranian people understand that this war will not topple the regime, but at the same time, this war will make their lives far worse economically,” said Omid Memarian, an Iranian analyst at the US-based independent think tank Dawn, as quoted from Reuters.
“The military will not lay down their arms. They will stay here and there will be bloodshed. It will be very costly without prospects for a better future,” he added.
In northern Tehran, Reuters also interviewed Iranian citizens about the war and their concerns. Foreign media in Iran operate under guidelines set by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, which regulates media activities and permits.
Mehtab, who works at a private company and requested that her family name not be mentioned, said the situation could be worse for Iranian citizens, considering the impact of the war and sanctions as well as years of isolation.
Other Iranian citizens contacted by Reuters by telephone expressed far greater anxiety when speaking anonymously.
“Yes, people are enjoying the ceasefire for now, but what will happen next? What are we supposed to do with a regime that has become stronger?” said Sara, 27, a private tutor, who refused to give her family name or location.
America Has No Intention to Help Iranian Citizens
Thousands of people were killed when authorities crushed protests over several weeks in January. This prompted Trump to boast that he would help the Iranian people.
However, although Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu both said at the start of the war that they hoped it would topple the ruling clerics, that goal has faded as the war has progressed.
Anger over the crackdown has led many Iranian citizens to desire new rulers, but they soon felt disappointed with the war, according to Memarian.
“I think it has become clearer to many Iranian citizens that this war was not designed, or intended, to help the Iranian people,” he said.
Some of Reuters’ sources are women not wearing the hijab. Looser dress code rules in public are a result of mass protests in 2022, including over women’s rights, which were brutally suppressed by authorities while quietly easing enforcement of some dress rules.
An independent Iran-based political analyst in the UK, Hossein Rassam, said the January incidents show that authorities will not back down easily.
The war with the US has further polarised Iranian citizens, but they have few choices.
“This is a moment of reckoning for Iranian citizens because ultimately, Iranian citizens, especially those inside the country, realise that they need to live together. There is nowhere to go,” he said.
Fear of Regime Repression
Many Iranian citizens fear that repression could now worsen. “On the streets, women wander without hijabs, but it is unclear whether such freedoms will continue after a deal with the US. The pressure will increase 100%, because as soon as