Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran
Tehran, Mar 4: Fears of prolonged conflict and supply disruptions are mounting in Iran’s capital, as residents rush to stock up on food and basic necessities amid continued military strikes and uncertainty over how long the war will last.
Locals told BBC Persian that grocery prices have surged and availability of key items has become a growing concern, with explosions continuing to rock parts of the city.
“We need to stock up because we don’t know for how long it’s going to continue,” a Tehran resident, Nasrin, was quoted as saying. “We’re worried that we might run out of essentials if we don’t.”
Iran was already grappling with soaring prices before the latest escalation. Cost-of-living pressures and international sanctions had triggered nationwide protests in December, prompting a harsh crackdown by authorities.
Residents said the recent US and Israeli strikes have worsened the situation, though reporting from inside the country remains limited due to visa restrictions on foreign media and widespread internet blackouts.
Pouya, another resident, said food prices have increased since the conflict began.
“I was just checking — rice is now at 625 tomans; it was 530 before the war,” he said, adding that potatoes have been particularly affected.
Iranian state media reported that, in line with a government decision to prioritise domestic supply, exports of all food and agricultural products have been banned “until further notice”.
Internet access has also become more expensive and unreliable. Shayan, a resident of Karaj, about an hour from Tehran, said internet packages have seen steep price hikes. He claimed that access through Starlink, operated by Elon Musk, has become “enormously” costly.
Omid, 26, said many people initially believed the strikes would be limited and brief, targeting specific individuals such as Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated on Saturday. However, continued explosions in the capital have heightened anxiety.
“People are becoming slightly uneasy about how long the situation is dragging on,” he said, noting that he has stocked up on essentials.
While security presence has increased on the streets, several shops — especially near affected areas — have reportedly shut down. “The streets themselves are empty,” Omid said.
Maryam, another resident, described the missile strikes on Monday night as “terrible”. “Our house was shaking,” she said in a text message.
Some families have fled Tehran following the attacks, but others say they are staying put. Maryam said she intends to remain despite the risks, adding that she would join street protests if called.
According to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, around 787 people have been killed since the United States and Israel launched strikes on February 28.
The Israeli military on Tuesday said it had targeted Iran’s presidential office and other infrastructure sites. Verified videos showed explosions east of the capital in Pardis.
Iran has responded with retaliatory missile and drone attacks, reportedly targeting Israeli government and military installations in Tel Aviv and elsewhere.
Strikes have also been reported in countries hosting US bases — including Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait — as well as in US-allied Oman and Saudi Arabia, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
Iran has also faced accusations of expanding its retaliation to include shipping routes and civilian-linked sites in the Gulf region, further deepening instability in an area crucial to global oil and gas supplies.