In the heart of Tehran, the stark reality of war manifests through the rubble of once-thriving homes and the haunting cries of families torn apart. As the conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel escalates, the collateral damage is increasingly evident, with ordinary citizens bearing the brunt of military operations that have turned urban neighbourhoods into battlegrounds.
A Mother’s Despair
In Resalat, an eastern district of Tehran, a mother stands amidst the debris of her home, calling out for her daughter, who is presumed trapped beneath the wreckage. “They don’t have the manpower to get her out,” she laments, her voice heavy with anguish. “My daughter is under the rubble… she’s afraid of the dark.” This tragic scene is emblematic of the civilian toll that has risen sharply since hostilities resumed a month ago, with air strikes targeting locations linked to the Iranian regime but indiscriminately affecting those living in close proximity.
The conflict has intensified as both the United States and Israel have launched numerous air strikes across Iran, purportedly aimed at military targets. Yet, the consequences for the civilian population have been devastating, with reports emerging of significant loss of life and property in residential areas.
Devastation in Resalat
Witness accounts and footage from independent journalists reveal the catastrophic impact of a recent Israeli air strike in Resalat on 9 March. Local residents report that between 40 and 50 individuals perished in this singular attack, which obliterated a multi-storey apartment complex. Eyewitnesses described the chaos: “I was thrown across the room,” recounted a 55-year-old man who survived the strike. “I don’t have anything now… All my documents, everything, it’s gone.”
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed that the target was a military facility associated with Iran’s Basij paramilitary force, yet the ramifications of their actions have extended well beyond that objective. Analysis of satellite imagery reveals that multiple buildings were destroyed in quick succession, indicating that nearby residential structures were caught in the blast’s radius. Reports suggest that military-grade munitions, particularly large bombs such as the Mark 84, have been deployed, raising concerns over the legality and morality of such strikes in densely populated areas.
An Ongoing Crisis
The situation in Tehran is part of a broader pattern of strikes that have seen the IDF and US forces target numerous locations across the country, with over 12,000 bombs reportedly dropped in total. Many of these strikes have targeted police stations, military bases, and other installations, often located within civilian neighbourhoods. The UN has called for caution in the use of heavy munitions in populated areas, emphasising the need to protect civilian lives.
In a particularly harrowing incident on 1 March, an Israeli strike on the Abbasabad police station resulted in significant civilian casualties, with witnesses claiming they saw at least 20 people killed. Eyewitnesses describe a terrifying sequence of explosions, noting that the strikes occurred in rapid succession, leaving little time for escape.
The Human Cost
The toll on civilians is staggering. According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), 1,464 civilians, including at least 217 children, have lost their lives in Iran within the conflict’s first month. As the air strikes continue, resentment among the populace is growing, even among those who may have previously supported the Iranian government. Residents express frustration not only towards foreign military actions but also at their own government’s failure to provide adequate safety measures. “There are no sirens, no warnings,” one resident lamented. “You just hear the explosion.”
The Iranian authorities have been notably silent on civil defence protocols, leaving many citizens feeling vulnerable and isolated. With ongoing internet blackouts further complicating communication, residents are left without guidance on how to protect themselves amidst the chaos.
Why it Matters
The situation unfolding in Tehran serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war. As military operations continue to target alleged state infrastructure, the lines between military and civilian life blur tragically. Families are shattered, homes are lost, and the very fabric of society is threatened. This conflict not only jeopardises the lives of those directly impacted but also fosters a growing resentment that could have far-reaching implications for stability in the region. The plight of civilians in Tehran underscores the urgent need for a reassessment of military strategy in urban warfare, where the consequences of actions extend well beyond the battlefield.