Tehran, the vibrant heart of Iran, is gripped by fear and chaos as residents flee the capital in droves, desperate to escape Israeli bombardments that have shaken the city since Friday, June 13, 2025. Social media footage, verified by AFP, paints a harrowing picture: Highway 49, the main artery leading north to the Caspian Sea, is choked with near-immobile traffic, a sea of cars crawling toward safety while the southbound lanes lie eerily empty.
[](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2025/6/15/updates-death-toll-grows-as-iran-and-israel-continue-to-trade-attacks)[](https://x.com/DeepaParent/status/1934318728344109273)The Israeli airstrikes, targeting sites across Iran, have claimed at least 224 lives, including top military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians, according to Iranian authorities. Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes on Israel have killed 24 people, escalating a decades-long shadow war into a full-blown conflict. With civilian airspace closed and land routes the only escape, Tehranis are flocking to the lush Mazandaran province, a three-hour drive in normal times, now a grueling journey through mountain roads.
[](https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/israel-iran-battle-escalates-will-be-high-agenda-world-leaders-meet-2025-06-16/)[](https://x.com/AFP/status/1933740471832227864)A City Under Siege
Israel’s campaign, launched to thwart Iran’s alleged nuclear ambitions—a charge Tehran vehemently denies—has left the capital reeling. Videos from Persian-language outlets like Iran International and Manoto, alongside posts from influential bloggers like Vahid Online, show endless queues of cars inching out of Tehran. Petrol stations in the capital and nearby Karaj are overwhelmed, with drivers stockpiling fuel for long journeys.
[](https://x.com/DeepaParent/status/1934318728344109273)Highway 49, connecting Tehran to Chalus on the Caspian Sea, has become a lifeline for those seeking refuge. Mazandaran’s mild climate and scenic beauty, a haven for holiday homes, offer a stark contrast to Tehran’s smoke-filled streets and shattered buildings. Yet, the journey is fraught with uncertainty, as Israel warns Iranians to avoid military sites, a challenge in a city where security forces maintain a heavy presence.
[](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2025/6/15/updates-death-toll-grows-as-iran-and-israel-continue-to-trade-attacks)A New Geopolitical Flashpoint: Iran’s Call for Ceasefire
Amid the chaos, a significant geopolitical development unfolded on June 16, 2025. Iran appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump, via intermediaries Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, to pressure Israel for an immediate ceasefire. This rare diplomatic outreach, reported by Reuters, underscores Tehran’s urgency to halt the four-day aerial war. The move has sparked hope among Iranians, who yearn for peace, but also skepticism, given the deep-seated animosity between Israel and Iran.
[](https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/israel-iran-battle-escalates-will-be-high-agenda-world-leaders-meet-2025-06-16/)This appeal comes as Iranian missiles pierced Israeli defenses, striking Tel Aviv and Haifa, a historic first in the conflict. The G7, meeting this week, expressed alarm at the risk of a broader regional war, amplifying global calls for de-escalation. For Tehran’s residents, this diplomatic gambit is a flicker of hope in a darkening sky, yet the road to peace remains uncertain.
[](https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/israel-iran-battle-escalates-will-be-high-agenda-world-leaders-meet-2025-06-16/)Persian Resilience: A Folk Medicine Recipe
In times of crisis, Iranians turn to their rich cultural heritage for solace. A traditional Persian folk remedy, Sharbat-e Sekanjabin, a refreshing vinegar-honey syrup, is gaining renewed attention for its calming properties. Made with mint, vinegar, honey, and water, this ancient drink is believed to soothe anxiety and boost energy, a balm for those enduring Tehran’s turmoil.
Recipe for Sharbat-e Sekanjabin:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 2 cups honey or sugar
- 4 cups water
- Fresh mint leaves
Boil vinegar and honey with water until thickened, add mint leaves, and let cool. Dilute with cold water and serve over ice. This tangy-sweet elixir is a staple at Persian gatherings, symbolizing resilience and hospitality.
Recent research from PubMed supports its benefits. A 2023 study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that mint and honey combinations reduce stress markers in animal models, suggesting potential anti-anxiety effects. Iranian herbalists, speaking at a 2024 conference in Shiraz, emphasized its role in traditional medicine, blending science with cultural pride. For Tehranis, this remedy is more than a drink—it’s a connection to their roots amid upheaval.
Mental Health: Coping with Crisis
The relentless bombardments have taken a toll on Tehran’s mental health. Psychologists, quoted in Al Jazeera, warn of rising anxiety and depression among residents. Dr. Azadeh Rahimi, a Tehran-based therapist, advises grounding techniques: deep breathing, journaling, and connecting with loved ones. “In crisis, small acts of self-care are revolutionary,” she says. Community support, rooted in Persian traditions of family and hospitality, is also vital. For those struggling, Iran’s Ministry of Health offers free helplines, a lifeline in these dark times.
[](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2025/6/15/updates-death-toll-grows-as-iran-and-israel-continue-to-trade-attacks)Space Discoveries: A Glimmer of Hope
Amid earthly conflicts, the cosmos offers perspective. On June 14, 2025, Iran’s Space Agency announced a successful satellite launch, boosting national pride. Globally, NASA reported a breakthrough in exoplanet research, identifying a potentially habitable planet 40 light-years away, per NASA. These discoveries remind us of humanity’s shared quest for knowledge, a beacon of hope for Iranians enduring hardship.
The Human Cost and Global Response
The human toll is staggering. Iranian state TV, struck by Israeli missiles, broadcast images of collapsed buildings and wounded civilians, including children. Over 1,500 Indian students, mostly from Jammu and Kashmir, are being evacuated to Qom, 150 km from Tehran, highlighting the conflict’s ripple effects. Egypt’s economy, rattled by the escalation, saw its pound plummet, underscoring the region’s interconnectedness.
[](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2025/6/15/updates-death-toll-grows-as-iran-and-israel-continue-to-trade-attacks)[](https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/israel-iran-attack-live-updates-israel-iran-conflict-deepens-tel-aviv-wanted-to-kill-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-tehran-intelligence-chief-killed-trump-g7-8678534)[](https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/israel-iran-attack-live-updates-israel-iran-conflict-deepens-tel-aviv-wanted-to-kill-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-tehran-intelligence-chief-killed-trump-g7-8678534)Social media posts, unverified by AFP, show queues at the Bazargan border crossing with Turkey, as some Iranians seek refuge abroad. Yet, many remain in Mazandaran, clinging to hope. Persian poets like Hafez, whose verses grace Tehran’s bookstores, inspire resilience: “The breeze of dawn has secrets to tell you. Do not go back to sleep.”
[](https://x.com/emilykschrader/status/1849955213492232622)A Call to the World
Tehran’s plight is a global story. The international community, from the G7 to the UN, must act to prevent a wider war. For Iranians, this is not just geopolitics—it’s survival. As families pack their cars, brew Sharbat-e Sekanjabin, and pray for peace, their courage echoes Iran’s ancient spirit. Will the world listen?
By Planet-Today.com | Published: June 16, 2025