A renewed wave of conflict and economic hardship is deepening the sense of despair among Iranians as the United States and Iran exchange strikes across the region. Over the past two weeks, U.S. and Israeli military actions have targeted Iranian infrastructure, including ports and water desalination plants in southern provinces, reigniting fears of broader warfare and exacerbating an already severe domestic crisis.

The recent escalation follows a brief cease-fire last month, which had offered temporary relief from bombings but failed to halt the country’s economic collapse. On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump met with advisers to consider intensifying the military campaign, according to multiple sources familiar with the discussions.

For many Iranians, the persistent violence and economic turmoil have upended daily life and eroded hope for the future. Behnam, a 38-year-old unemployed musician in Tehran who spoke on condition of anonymity due to fears of government reprisal, said the primary concern among Iranians now is survival rather than political developments. “Our fate is in the hands of those who don’t think about ordinary people,” he said.

Since a 12-day U.S.-Israeli air campaign against Iran last June, the country has experienced ongoing instability. The government imposed a prolonged internet blackout, citing security concerns, which contributed to a sharp economic downturn. Subsequently, a currency crisis in December sparked nationwide protests that were met with severe crackdowns. Thousands were killed during the protests, leaving the country deeply divided.

Despite heavy bombardment that destroyed key infrastructure and resulted in the deaths of the supreme leader and thousands of civilians, the Islamic Republic’s leadership has remained firmly in power. The government has continued its crackdown on dissent, including executing protesters arrested last January and seizing property from opposition figures.

In southern Iran, where much of the recent fighting has occurred, residents face additional hardships. The province of Hormozgan experienced power outages and the destruction of a desalination plant after airstrikes targeted essential facilities, according to local officials. Some residents have endured hours of electricity loss and water shortages amid extreme temperatures exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Many Iranians report having to forgo medical treatment or replace fresh produce with less nutritious alternatives due to soaring prices. Farzad, a web designer in Tehran, recounted how a friend’s small entrepreneurial venture selling homemade jams and pickles collapsed when the government imposed internet restrictions during the height of the conflict.

Supporters of Tehran’s government argue that the fight against the United States is necessary to preserve Iran’s sovereignty. Hossein, an online business owner in the port city of Bandar Abbas—recently struck by U.S. air raids—said maintaining independence outweighs the hardships imposed by war.

Amid the ongoing cycle of bombings, economic decline, and government repression, many ordinary Iranians feel powerless and trapped. Mohsen, a business owner from Isfahan, described life as “trapped in hell” with little prospect for relief. The persistent fighting and political stalemate have left much of the population grappling with uncertainty and hardship as the region edges closer to broader conflict.