After 12 days of military conflict with Israel, Iranians hold celebrations in Tehran and other cities following ceasefire announcement

After 12 days of military conflict with Israel, Iranians hold celebrations in Tehran and other cities following ceasefire announcement
[Dubai, June 25 – Reuters]

A wave of relief and joy swept across Iran following the unexpected announcement of a ceasefire after 12 days of bloody conflict with Israel. On Tuesday morning, crowds took to the streets in cities including the capital, Tehran—some marching in celebration, others simply breathing sighs of quiet relief.

Since the fighting began on June 13, Israeli airstrikes had rocked multiple Iranian cities, leaving hundreds dead, many more wounded, and thousands of families displaced. The ceasefire has brought the aggression to a halt for now, and many displaced people have begun returning home.

“This war was completely unnecessary”

Shima, a 40-year-old woman from Shiraz, said:

“I’m very happy. It’s over, and now we can live in peace. This was a completely unnecessary war, and we were the ones who paid the price—because of the warmongering policies of our rulers.”

Just a day earlier, Israel had launched airstrikes on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), its allied militias, and the notorious Evin Prison in Tehran. Smoke could be seen billowing across the skies of the capital.

A Tehran resident remarked:

“In the end, it’s the people who suffer—whether ours or theirs. Both sides are harmed, so the sooner this ceasefire happened, the better.”

Returning from war: “If I die, I want it to be in my own home”

Many fled their cities in fear of the conflict. Government employee Arash evacuated his family to Damavand, 35 miles east of Tehran. He said:

“My wife and kids were terrified, but keeping them in a safe place was stretching beyond my financial limits.”

Noushin, 35, drove five hours with her family to her mother-in-law’s house near the Caspian Sea.

“My child missed his own room. I missed it too. If there’s another attack, I want to die in my own home.”

No mass protests, but there is anger

Despite this being Iran’s largest military confrontation since the 1980–88 Iran-Iraq War, no large-scale protests have erupted yet. Even many who previously participated in anti-government movements view the war as “foreign aggression” and have rallied in unity behind the nation.

But that doesn’t mean there’s no anger. Mohammad, a 63-year-old from Rasht, said:

“This attack is absolutely unacceptable. It’s barbaric. We are being bombed while our leaders hide in safe places.”
“This destruction is the result of our rulers’ aggressive policies.”

Fears of internal crackdown

Israel targeted IRGC’s internal security branches and commanders. State media reports that hundreds of individuals have been arrested on charges of “espionage.”

On Tuesday, black security force vehicles were seen on the streets of Tehran. Several international dissident media outlets have warned that a major crackdown could be underway to prevent any potential uprising.

“I hope this ceasefire actually lasts”

A young man from Tehran said:

“History tells us that Israel never truly honors a ceasefire. But I still hope they do this time—it’s in both our interests.”