Fear, defiance, and anger: Iranians describe life under bombardment

Tehran residents are reporting deserted streets and heavy paramilitary presence as Iranian security forces restrict gatherings during Nowruz, the Persian new year celebration scheduled for this week. In messages to NPR, residents describe both fear and defiance amid what they characterize as bombardment conditions, with paramilitary officials and vigilantes patrolling neighborhoods. The security crackdown includes bans on Nowruz celebrations, a culturally significant holiday that traditionally draws large public gatherings.