Tehrans Bombing Leaves Local Refugee Struggling to Survive with Feline Companion

April 13, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Tehrans Bombing Leaves Local Refugee Struggling to Survive with Feline Companion

Tehran Resident Refuses to Flee Amid Ongoing Conflict

A 27-year-old woman, identified as Sana*, has chosen to remain in her apartment in western Tehran despite the ongoing conflict and relentless bombings. Sana is a student of economics and works as a risk control analyst at an investment firm.

The situation escalated on February 28 when missiles hit Tehran, catching Sana off guard. Her boyfriend informed her that his family was urging her to leave the capital due to concerns for her safety. However, Sana had previously survived a similar conflict in June 2025 and has made a promise not to flee the city again.

As the war continued, Sana’s daily life became increasingly challenging. She and her roommate, Fatemeh, relied on supermarket deliveries to avoid going outside due to the unpredictable nature of the bombings. The internet was also severely limited, with many people unable to access Google or other online services.

To cope with the situation, Sana turned to alternative forms of entertainment, including podcasts, YouTube, and reading. She even downloaded foreign TV series from local servers to keep her mind occupied. On March 16, a particularly devastating explosion occurred at a nearby cafe where Sana had been visiting with friends. The incident highlighted the risks and challenges faced by those living in Tehran during this time.

Sana’s decision to remain in the city has been met with concern from her loved ones, who are based in Mazandaran province. However, she remains resolute in her determination not to leave Tehran.

Source: Al Jazeera