An Iranian political activist speaking anonymously from Tehran has described living in constant fear as the threat of renewed war and intensifying state repression deepen her trauma. Suffering from symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder after a previous arrest, she says sudden noises trigger involuntary physical reactions, leaving her partially unable to use her left hand. She remains anxious about possible re arrest and the fate of detained friends as authorities continue to stage public displays of القوة.

She was first detained during the aftermath of the 'Woman, Life, Freedom' protests that followed the death in custody of Mahsa Amini. Secret police arrested her on the street and later released her only after she signed a pledge to remain publicly silent. Since then, she says thousands have been arrested, executions have taken place, and repression has worsened, with many detainees allegedly facing torture and incommunicado detention.

The activist has also lost her job because of her opposition to the government. While she initially expressed satisfaction at military losses suffered by the authorities, civilian deaths during bombing campaigns by the United States and Israel left her devastated. She describes a growing national mental health crisis, with overwhelmed hospitals and limited psychological support as fear and uncertainty grip the population.

Despite the risks, she believes repression will intensify further if the current leadership remains in power after the war. Even so, she says she is prepared to endure prison if necessary, holding onto hope that Iran will endure through the turmoil.