TEHRAN: Thousands of Iranians gathered for Eid al-Fitr prayers, marking the end of Ramadan under the shadow of rising conflict and uncertainty. The prayers in Tehran drew massive crowds, filling the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque and surrounding streets, as people came together despite the tense atmosphere.
Unlike tradition, Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei did not appear in public. Instead, judiciary chief Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei led the gathering. His absence added to speculation, especially as the country faces escalating military pressure.
Just hours earlier, air strikes had disrupted celebrations of Nowruz, casting a somber mood over the capital. Residents described a painful contrast between festive moments and the fear of sudden attacks.
Iran confirmed that its nuclear facility in Natanz had been targeted by US and Israeli strikes, though officials said no radiation leak occurred. The International Atomic Energy Agency also reported no rise in radiation levels but urged restraint to avoid a larger crisis.
As fighting intensifies and regional tensions grow, Iranians continue to balance faith, resilience, and fear in an increasingly uncertain time.
