It's truly hell here: airstrikes, repression and water shortages become new normal for Iranians

Iranians describe how daily life is becoming ever harder as conflict continues and human rights crisis worsens

It's truly hell here: airstrikes, repression and water shortages become new normal for Iranians

Airstrikes are hitting cities in Iran. Many people there are worried about the continuing conflict and problems with human rights. Life is getting harder for them.

Bandar Abbas, a city where the Iranian navy is based, has been hit by strikes every night for almost two weeks. A writer there, who is 37, said that people are starting to accept this as their new reality. He said they feel less afraid because they have to live with the situation.

For people living near the port, loud noises and power cuts have become normal. Mehnaz, aged 39, works online and has had problems with internet shutdowns. She said, My earnings are lower. The war makes daily life harder with bombs, power cuts, and internet problems. It's truly hell here.

Another city, Jask, was also reportedly hit. It is said that US strikes hit ships and damaged a water plant. This left 20 villages without drinking water. Moein, who lives in Jask, said that people are worried about future attacks and are saving water.


Vocabulary

airstrikes — attacks made by bombs dropped from airplanes.
repression — controlling people by force and not allowing them freedom.
conflict — a serious argument or fight.
reality — what is real or true.
power cuts — times when the electricity stops working.
damaged — broken or harmed.

Discussion Questions

  1. What problems are people in Iran facing because of the conflict?
  2. How has the conflict changed the daily lives of people like Mehnaz?
  3. Why are water shortages a serious problem, especially when it is hot?

Based on an article from The Guardian.

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