Refugee in My Own City: Surviving Tehran’s Bombing with Resilience

This personal narrative details the experiences of Sana, a 27-year-old economics student and risk analyst, who chose to remain in Tehran during the US-Israeli war that escalated in late February 2026. Having previously fled during the June 2025 conflict, Sana refused to leave the capital this time, seeking stability amidst chaos. The article describes the grim routine of life under relentless bombing, including anticipating strike windows, relying on supermarket deliveries, and coping with total internet blackouts by using offline media. Sana shares her emotional journey, supported by her roommate Fatemeh and her cat, Fandogh, while facing pressure from family members in Sari to evacuate. The piece highlights the psychological toll of war, the destruction of local landmarks like the Rafi-Nia Synagogue, and the resilience of civilians attempting to maintain normalcy. Through Sana’s perspective, the report illustrates the daily struggles of Tehran residents, from navigating gridlocked traffic to finding solace in books like 'Baghdad Diaries,' reflecting the mirroring realities of past and present conflicts in the region.