Tehran was quiet and people apprehensive on Tuesday morning as news came through of a ceasefire with Israel and subsequent violations, residents of the Iranian capital said.
“People are being cautious. Everywhere was closed, except two or three cafes,” a resident told The National. “It got a bit busier around noon. People were uncertain. Then Israeli planes came and broke the sound barrier.”
At least 610 people have been killed and more than 4,700 wounded in Iran since the start of the war with Israel on June 13, Iran’s Health Ministry has said. In Israel, the death toll rose to at least 28 after an Iranian attack on the southern city of Beersheba hours before the ceasefire came into force.
The ceasefire was announced by US President Donald Trump hours after Iran retaliated for American strikes on three of its nuclear plants by launching missiles at Al Udeid US military base in Qatar on Monday evening.
In Iran, there was hope that the ceasefire would hold, but an awareness that it might not. In the hours after it was announced, both sides traded accusations of breaching the agreement.
“The ceasefire is very vulnerable, especially given Israel’s history in violating these kinds of agreements,” Seyed Emamian, assistant professor at Tehran Polytechnic University, told The National. In Lebanon, Israel has continued to strike targets that it says are linked to the Tehran-backed militant group Hezbollah, despite a ceasefire following a conflict last year.
There was a “sense of national pride” that Iran claimed the last strike before the ceasefire went into effect, added Mr Emamian, who is also co-founder of Iran’s Governance and Policy think tank.
Some Iranians also supported the attack on Al Udeid in Qatar, which was carried out by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Iranian state television highlighted how the ceasefire came shortly after the attack on Al Udeid, and broadcast pictures of people celebrating in the streets of Tehran. Revolutionary Guard commander Maj Gen Mohammad Pakpour said further US strikes on Iran would draw “more crushing responses”, in remarks carried by the IRGC-aligned Tasnim news agency.
At the same time, the strikes appeared to have been carefully choreographed, and allowed Tehran to show that it had responded to the US strikes on its territory while minimising the chances of further escalation.
They were communicated in advance, framed by officials as an attack on the US and not on Qatar, and did not lead to any casualties.
Some Iranians were less celebratory over an attack on the soil of a neighbouring country, at a time when Iran is trying to improve relations with its Gulf neighbours.
“Ordinary people” who do not support the Iranian government, “were shocked by last night's violent attack", the resident of Tehran said.
Physical and emotional toll
Iranians described the past 12 days as “extremely difficult”. As well as the destruction of civilian buildings as well as military installations, the emotional toll has been immense. Thousands of people have fled major cities such as Tehran and Isfahan to seek safety in smaller urban centres. Property has been damaged and destroyed, and businesses have been closed.
With Israeli attacks occurring daily and a lack of adequate shelters or a warning network, first responders used Instagram to share advice on on how to minimise exposure during an attack, and others shared tips for keeping children as calm as possible. Internet interruptions increased fear and anxiety as they prevented friends and family from communicating with each other.
“It was 12 really difficult days, especially for women, children, the elderly, workers and also for Afghan migrants,” another resident of Tehran told The National, referring to millions of Afghans who often work low-paid jobs in Iran. “I hope the ceasefire sticks and it results in peace.”
Businesses, already struggling with inflation above 30 per cent and power shortages, were badly affected by the conflict, the resident, a businessman, continued.
“Almost all this time, most of the private sector was closed. Only factories producing basic goods were open and the government also worked at 30 per cent capacity, and foreign and domestic trade practically stopped for a short time,” he said.
The ceasefire announcement had enabled many people to return to work, he said. “We also started working in our company with half the staff today.”
However, there are fears that a ceasefire would simply enable Israel to recover from the damage caused by the few Iranian missiles that made impact, and restock its air defence systems that intercepted most of them.
“There is a group of critics that think this interruption will benefit Israel more,” Mr Emamian said.
Uncertain future
Iranians are aware that the situation is not stable, and what happens next is uncertain.
Even some government officials are unsure of Iran's next steps, aware that the ceasefire with Israel is an unwritten agreement negotiated indirectly with a country that they do not recognise.
After the Israel launched its attacks on June 13, Iranian officials insisted they would not return to the nuclear negotiations with the US, which had been scheduled to reconvene for a sixth round just two days later.
Israel has opposed the talks aimed at containing Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of US sanctions, and there is no guarantee that it will not attack again if Washington and Tehran resume negotiations.
At the same time, Iran's leaders could face more domestic opposition to negotiations with a country that participated in direct bombings of its territory, and is seen as Israel’s main enabler in the 12-day war.
“It is really impossible to comment at the moment,” a senior government official told The National when asked whether Iran would return to talks with the US.
“We are facing the conditions of an unwritten and fragile ceasefire. So we have to wait and see, and if this situation stabilises, then we will move on to the next steps and reactions from the parties.”
How to volunteer
The UAE volunteers campaign can be reached at www.volunteers.ae , or by calling 800-VOLAE (80086523), or emailing info@volunteers.ae.
Opening Premier League fixtures, August 14
- Brentford v Arsenal
- Burnley v Brighton
- Chelsea v Crystal Palace
- Everton v Southampton
- Leicester City v Wolves
- Manchester United v Leeds United
- Newcastle United v West Ham United
- Norwich City v Liverpool
- Tottenham v Manchester City
- Watford v Aston Villa
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
What went into the film
25 visual effects (VFX) studios
2,150 VFX shots in a film with 2,500 shots
1,000 VFX artists
3,000 technicians
10 Concept artists, 25 3D designers
New sound technology, named 4D SRL
Specs
Engine: 3.0L twin-turbo V6
Gearbox: 10-speed automatic
Power: 405hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 562Nm at 3,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 11.2L/100km
Price: From Dh292,845 (Reserve); from Dh320,145 (Presidential)
On sale: Now
Manchester United v Liverpool
Premier League, kick off 7.30pm (UAE)
The specs: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ
Price, base: Dh1,731,672
Engine: 6.5-litre V12
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 770hp @ 8,500rpm
Torque: 720Nm @ 6,750rpm
Fuel economy: 19.6L / 100km
Mubadala World Tennis Championship 2018 schedule
Thursday December 27
Men's quarter-finals
Kevin Anderson v Hyeon Chung 4pm
Dominic Thiem v Karen Khachanov 6pm
Women's exhibition
Serena Williams v Venus Williams 8pm
Friday December 28
5th place play-off 3pm
Men's semi-finals
Rafael Nadal v Anderson/Chung 5pm
Novak Djokovic v Thiem/Khachanov 7pm
Saturday December 29
3rd place play-off 5pm
Men's final 7pm
SERIE A FIXTURES
Saturday (All UAE kick-off times)
Cagliari v AC Milan (6pm)
Lazio v Napoli (9pm)
Inter Milan v Atalanta (11.45pm)
Sunday
Udinese v Sassuolo (3.30pm)
Sampdoria v Brescia (6pm)
Fiorentina v SPAL (6pm)
Torino v Bologna (6pm)
Verona v Genoa (9pm)
Roma V Juventus (11.45pm)
Parma v Lecce (11.45pm)
Tottenham's 10 biggest transfers (according to transfermarkt.com):
1). Moussa Sissokho - Newcastle United - £30 million (Dh143m): Flop
2). Roberto Soldado - Valencia - £25m: Flop
3). Erik Lamela - Roma - £25m: Jury still out
4). Son Heung-min - Bayer Leverkusen - £25m: Success
5). Darren Bent - Charlton Athletic - £21m: Flop
6). Vincent Janssen - AZ Alkmaar - £18m: Flop
7). David Bentley - Blackburn Rovers - £18m: Flop
8). Luka Modric - Dynamo Zagreb - £17m: Success
9). Paulinho - Corinthians - £16m: Flop
10). Mousa Dembele - Fulham - £16m: Success
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance: the specs
Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 plus rear-mounted electric motor
Power: 843hp at N/A rpm
Torque: 1470Nm N/A rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.6L/100km
On sale: October to December
Price: From Dh875,000 (estimate)
The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)
Results
2.15pm: Handicap Dh80,000 1,950m
Winner: Hello, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihi (trainer).
2.45pm: Handicap Dh90,000 1,800m
Winner: Right Flank, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
3.15pm: Handicap Dh115,000 1,000m
Winner: Leading Spirit, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
3.45pm: Jebel Ali Mile Group 3 Dh575,000 1,600m
Winner: Chiefdom, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
4.15pm: Handicap Dh105,000 1,400m
Winner: Ode To Autumn, Patrick Cosgrave, Satish Seemar.
4.45pm: Shadwell Farm Conditions Dh125,000 1,200m
Winner: Last Surprise, James Doyle, Simon Crisford.
5.15pm: Handicap Dh85,000 1,200m
Winner: Daltrey, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihi.
Company%20profile
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Results
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStage%206%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E1.%20Tim%20Merlier%20(BEL)%20Soudal%20Quick-Step%20%E2%80%93%203hrs%2041min%2012sec.%3Cbr%3E2.%20Sam%20Bennett%20(GBR)%20Bora%20%E2%80%93%20Hansgrohe%20%E2%80%93%20ST%3Cbr%3E3.%20Dylan%20Groenewegen%20(NED)%20Team%20Jayco%20Alula%20%E2%80%93%20ST%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EGeneral%20classification%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E1.%20Remco%20Evenepoel%20(BEL)%20Soudal%20Quick-Step%3Cbr%3E2.%20Lucas%20Plapp%20(AUS)%20Ineos%20Grenaders%20%E2%80%93%209sec%3Cbr%3E3.%20Pello%20Bilbao%20(ESP)%20Bahrain%20Victorious%20%E2%80%93%2013sec%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
AUSTRALIA SQUAD
Tim Paine (captain), Sean Abbott, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Grubtech
Founders: Mohamed Al Fayed and Mohammed Hammedi
Launched: October 2019
Employees: 50
Financing stage: Seed round (raised $2 million)
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
ENGLAND SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Jack Butland, Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope
Defenders: John Stones, Harry Maguire, Phil Jones, Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Gary Cahill, Ashley Young, Danny Rose, Trent Alexander-Arnold
Midfielders: Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, Dele Alli, Jesse Lingard, Raheem Sterling, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Fabian Delph
Forwards: Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy, Marcus Rashford, Danny Welbeck
Mica
Director: Ismael Ferroukhi
Stars: Zakaria Inan, Sabrina Ouazani
3 stars
Read more about the coronavirus
AIDA%20RETURNS
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COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
%3Cp%3EName%3A%20DarDoc%3Cbr%3EBased%3A%20Abu%20Dhabi%3Cbr%3EFounders%3A%20Samer%20Masri%2C%20Keswin%20Suresh%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%20HealthTech%3Cbr%3ETotal%20funding%3A%20%24800%2C000%3Cbr%3EInvestors%3A%20Flat6Labs%2C%20angel%20investors%20%2B%20Incubated%20by%20Hub71%2C%20Abu%20Dhabi's%20Department%20of%20Health%3Cbr%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%2010%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
