Tehran residents voice fear and fatigue after US-Iran strikes resume

Tehran residents reacted with a mix of weariness and worry on Monday after an overnight exchange of fire between the United States and Iran broke a months-long lull in their intermittent conflict.

US forces struck Iranian rocket launchers near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, their first military action in a month, according to US Central Command. Iran said it retaliated by launching missiles at US sites in Jordan, and an Iranian drone was intercepted over UAE waters early Monday.

On the streets of Tehran, some said they had grown numb to the violence. "Even if bombs are dropped over our heads we won't be surprised that much. We've already seen the worst," said Asghar Piranzadeh, 35. "We have somehow become numb to it all."

Others voiced anxiety that the relative calm of recent months was over. Amir Ali, 20, said he learned of the attack on Larak island via Telegram. "It worried me because there has been no conflicts for a few months and I'm afraid it might restart again," he said. "This is not a good feeling at all."

Reza Bahmani Rad, 66, expressed frustration with both sides. "If the authorities cared about us, would come up with a solution for peace and compromise," he said. "But they don't. It's only the people who are getting worn down."

The strikes came after the US military last week finished clearing sea mines from the strait's shipping lanes. Iran's Revolutionary Guard confirmed casualties in the attack, and state media showed what it said were ballistic missiles fired at US bases in Jordan. Jordan's armed forces said they intercepted eight missiles early Monday.

The conflict, which began on February 28, has seen Iran target US bases and Gulf infrastructure. The last confirmed US strikes were on July 29, after which President Donald Trump ordered a pause at the urging of Gulf allies.