In Sirik, a small town in southern Iran, residents endured soaring temperatures reaching 45°C (113°F) last week while struggling with severe water shortages. The scarcity persisted even days after U.S. airstrikes reportedly damaged two drinking water facilities serving nearby villages. Locals queued to fill buckets amid concerns that the shortages could continue.

Nahid*, a mother in Sirik, described the hardships faced by her family following the disruption to the water supply. Although water service was restored after approximately 12 hours, the volume remained insufficient for drinking and everyday needs. She recounted her four-year-old daughter waking from dehydration with painful chafing caused by inadequate hygiene. Nahid expressed considerable anxiety about her daughter’s health under these conditions.

The water crisis unfolded as news emerged of a potential peace agreement between Washington and Tehran, sparking varied reactions among Iranians. For many dealing with daily challenges, the diplomatic announcement offered little immediate relief.

In Tehran, Alborz, a 36-year-old writer, characterized public sentiment as divided among three groups: those loyal to the Iranian regime, supporters of the former Pahlavi monarchy who favor foreign military intervention, and a growing segment disillusioned with both. He described the news of an agreement as initially cause for celebration, though he cautioned that public opinion remained fragmented and the situation fragile.

Mina, a Tehran-based screenwriter, highlighted internal tensions among hardliners and opposition figures alike. She noted that regime supporters who have long chanted “Death to America” were angered by the prospect of any deal with the United States. Mina, an opponent of the regime, criticized former President Donald Trump’s approach as a betrayal, contrasting it unfavorably with Barack Obama’s earlier diplomatic efforts. She expressed support for Reza Pahlavi, son of the late shah, as a transitional leader and doubted the likelihood of a genuine peace accord with the current regime.

Mina also raised concerns about what she described as a double standard in international reactions to casualties. While condemning civilian deaths resulting from U.S. strikes—including an attack on a school that killed 120 children—she questioned the global focus, noting that children had been killed in recent months during regime crackdowns.

For others, such as 24-year-old Shaghayegh, a protester injured during the Woman, Life, Freedom demonstrations, the idea of peace appeared remote. “Everything stopped making sense since 2022,” she said, expressing skepticism about the end of conflict and a deepening awareness of shifting alliances, particularly skepticism toward Trump’s role. While relieved fewer innocent civilians might be harmed by airstrikes, she lamented ongoing repression within Iran.

Amid these divergent views, a common theme of exhaustion and frustration prevailed among many Iranians. Alborz underscored the fragility of the emerging agreement, suggesting some viewed it as a temporary measure rather than a lasting resolution.

*Names have been changed to protect identities.