Iranians mark first wartime Persian New Year in decades

Tehran Celebrates Nowruz Amid Ongoing Conflict

Residents of Tehran marked the Persian New Year, Nowruz, on Friday, despite ongoing attacks from the United States and Israel. The celebrations took place in a time of war for the first time since the 1980s, when Iraq launched a full-scale invasion leading to eight years of conflict.

People queued up at local markets and shops to buy flowers and exchange greetings before the festivities began. Many were with loved ones at home for the moment of the spring equinox, which marks the start of the new year and symbolizes new beginnings for Iranians.

Air defence batteries in Tehran fired intermittently after the moment of the new year, with some people cheering from their windows and rooftops while others chanted slogans. Some residents expressed hope for the future despite concerns about the war’s impact on their children and country.

The city saw increased traffic as spring rain fell in the afternoon, but fighter jets and drones continued to pierce the skies. Petrol stations reported vehicles queuing up, although authorities claim there is no shortage of fuel. Healthcare facilities reported no shortages of blood due to regular donations since the start of the war on February 28.

The government continues to impose a near-total internet shutdown, affecting over 92 million Iranians. This has led to a black market for global connectivity and limited access to basic services and local news outlets.

Families across Iran visited graves and set up Haft Sin tables in line with traditional practices. However, the visits also reopened wounds from the nationwide protests in January, which resulted in the killings of thousands of people, including Sepehr Shokri’s mother, who spoke out about her son’s death at his grave.

The celebrations took place despite the ongoing conflict and restrictions on internet access.

Source: Al Jazeera