The Current Fear and hope: how some in Iran are feeling about the war
Mar 9, 2026
Farzad Fathlazadeh, CBC senior producer who reports from inside Iran, shares on-the-ground reporting amid internet blackouts. He describes scarce connectivity solutions and the personal toll of being unable to reach family. He talks about mixed public reactions from celebration to fear, shifting moods after strikes on infrastructure, and the risks people face when speaking out.
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Connectivity Is Patchy But Informative
- Internet blackouts and expensive Starlink hardware make connecting inside Iran extremely difficult but not impossible.
- Small pockets use Starlink or filter breakers and post brief updates when they get connectivity, letting reporters capture snapshots of feelings and events.
Personal Silence After First Day Of War
- Farzad's family experienced sudden silence after the war began, with his father last contacted on Dec 27 and a sister calling from Tehran on Feb 28 saying she would stay.
- Since that day Farzad has had no contact, illustrating personal toll and uncertainty.
Unexpected Public Celebrations In Tehran
- Initial public reactions inside Iran were largely celebratory, with rooftop gatherings, drinking, barbecues and people saying shops remained open.
- Many viewed U.S. and Israeli strikes as liberation, a view spread through social posts when connectivity allowed.