A month after the ceasefire that ended Iran’s brief but devastating war with Israel, many Iranians are still haunted by the trauma of the conflict and fearful of its return.
The ceasefire, which came into effect on June 24, 2025, concluded 12 days of intense Israeli airstrikes that targeted Iran’s key nuclear sites, military infrastructure, and urban centers. Despite the truce holding so far, residents across Iran say the wounds remain fresh, and the future feels dangerously uncertain.
“I don’t think this ceasefire will last,” said Peyman, 57, from Shiraz, one of several cities bombed during the war.
Israel’s unprecedented campaign killed hundreds, including top military commanders and nuclear scientists. Entire neighborhoods, including in Tehran, were left in ruins. The Israeli government has since warned it may resume hostilities if Iran is seen rebuilding its nuclear program or taking provocative steps.
Iran insists its nuclear activities remain peaceful but has vowed to retaliate fiercely if attacked again.
Meanwhile, hopes of resuming nuclear diplomacy with the United States have dimmed. Washington briefly joined the conflict by striking Iranian nuclear targets but has since gone silent on talks, deepening anxiety in Tehran.
“I am scared the war will start again,” said Hamid, 54, a government worker. “It will lead to the death of more innocent people and destruction of the country.”
Wounds That Won’t Heal
More than 1,000 Iranians were killed during the conflict, according to local officials, while retaliatory drone and missile strikes killed 29 people in Israel.
As the bombs fell, thousands fled Tehran for other regions. Yet even remote areas weren’t spared the smoke-filled skies and trembling ground. The psychological toll has been widespread.
“This war really frightened me,” said 78-year-old Golandam Babaei from Kermanshah, recalling memories of the 1980s Iran-Iraq war. “I kept telling myself, please God, do not let the past repeat itself.”
Although shorter and less ground-based than the Iran-Iraq war, this conflict triggered flashbacks of that era’s trauma, which claimed an estimated 500,000 lives.
Technology Changes Everything
Ali Khanzadi, a 62-year-old veteran wounded in 1983, said today’s warfare is far more chilling.
“Back then we lacked advanced weapons. Now, a child can be killed in his sleep by a drone,” he said.
The rapid precision of Israeli strikes and the involvement of unmanned aerial vehicles have left many citizens feeling helpless and exposed.
A Fragile Peace
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei framed the conflict as an attack on the Islamic Republic’s very existence. While urging calm and national unity, he also warned that Iran must proceed “with care and precision.”
Iranian officials say they remain open to renewed nuclear diplomacy with the U.S., but demand credible assurances that talks won’t be interrupted again by war.
“I hope this won’t happen again,” Hamid said.
“I just pray for peace,” added Babaei. “For us to remain safe in our homes.”
