2 days ago
More and more people returning to Tehran but fear remains rife
More and more people are gradually returning to Tehran, citizens and local media reported on Friday, after residents fled the Iranian capital when Israel began its attacks.
Most headed north towards the Caspian Sea or for the mountainous region in the east of the country.
Iran suffered major attacks on its nuclear and military facilities during the war which began on June 13, as well as losing many top scientists and military leaders in Israeli strikes. The US also intervened on Israel's behalf with a strike on Iranian nuclear sites at the weekend.
Despite the ceasefire, panic and fear remain rife in Iran and daily life in Tehran has not yet returned to normal. Many residents still have their suitcases packed.
Others say they were forced to return for financial reasons, as they cannot afford hotels or other alternative accommodation over a longer period of time.
One resident reported that on Friday, for the first time since the attacks began, he was stuck in traffic again.
Work has already begun in several places to repair infrastructure that was destroyed.
Tehran was the target of heavy Israeli air strikes during the conflict and while military facilities were the main targets in the city, residential buildings were also hit.
Tehran has barely any bomb shelters. The head of the local housing foundation said 332 buildings or around 3,500 residential units were damaged in the Iranian capital alone, Tasnim news agency reported.
