The Global Story Iran under attack: The view from inside
20 snips
Mar 4, 2026 
Parham Ghobadi, senior reporter and presenter at BBC Persian who speaks with people inside Iran. He reports on reactions to Khamenei's death, life during communications blackouts, queues and shortages, shifting leadership, contested figures like Ayatollah Arafi, rising support for Reza Pahlavi, and the risks of a protracted conflict. Short, on-the-ground perspectives throughout.
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Divided Public Reaction To Leadership Killings
- Iranians are deeply divided in reaction to Khamenei's death and the strikes, with celebrations by some and fear among others.
- Parham Ghobadi reports videos of street dancing and honking, but rising concern as bombs hit near civilians and buildings collapse.
Personal Call From Family During Blackout
- Parham received a rare call from his father after days of blackout amid an attack that had trapped relatives in traffic.
- A relative died the day before, and another journey home took six hours in jammed, frightening conditions.
Poverty Forces Many To Stay During Bombing
- Economic precarity shapes responses: many still must work despite strikes, while wealthier Iranians leave Tehran.
- Parham notes long petrol queues, cash hoarding, and taxis continuing routes even as smoke plumes rise.