Iranians are marking Nowruz, the ancient spring festival and start of the New Year, under the shadow of war, fear and repression. Zahra, a grandmother in Tehran whose name has been changed for safety, describes cleaning her home for the holiday while unable to contact her children because authorities have blocked internet access. She says the silence has left families anxious and emotionally strained during what is usually a time of reunion.

Nearly four weeks after attacks by the United States and Israel, residents describe mounting anger and grief as reported deaths approach 3,000, more than half of them civilians. Oil depot strikes have left neighborhoods covered in what locals call black rain, a grim reminder of the bombardment.

Despite the danger, some Iranians continue to share their experiences with foreign media, risking arrest in a country where authorities have detained people accused of cooperating with outside outlets. While Zahra symbolically prepares for the New Year in hopes of better days, she expresses defiance, saying she does not want a ceasefire if it means the current leadership remains in power.