Civilians in Iran Report Trauma From Conflict and Government Restrictions

Iranian authorities have imposed an internet ban as civilians inside the country report struggling with the impact of war. Using trusted sources, BBC special correspondent Fergal Keane spoke with people who described being traumatised by the conflict and by government repression.

The accounts come as the region experiences multiple overlapping conflicts. These include fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon that has continued despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that began 12 days ago. More than one million people in Lebanon have been displaced since the start of that war.

Iran has been involved in tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipping. President Trump suspended an operation to guide ships through the strait after two days. The move followed Iranian actions that restricted passage in the area.

Civilians contacted inside Iran spoke of the combined pressures from the conflict and restrictions on information flow. The internet ban has limited external communication while authorities maintain control over reporting from within the country.

Pro-government demonstrators gathered in Tehran after the announcement of a two-week conditional ceasefire between the United States and Iran. Separately, an Iranian missile struck the Israeli town of Dimona in southern Israel. Israeli forces have conducted strikes in Lebanon, including attacks that killed journalists and destroyed bridges over the Litani river.

The conversations obtained by the BBC provide one of the few direct views into conditions inside Iran during the current restrictions. Those contacted described widespread trauma affecting daily life under the combined effects of war and repression.