Iranians Fear Possible Return to War as Israeli and U.S. Elections Approach

Threats and election tensions

Iranian residents are bracing for renewed fighting as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump make threats. Netanyahu, who faces a close vote Tuesday, says Iran’s leadership must be eliminated. Trump has vowed to “finish the job,” eight months after the war began, while a third aircraft carrier and thousands of troops head to the region.

Some Iranians fear attacks could come just after the U.S. midterms on Nov. 3. Fereshteh Hajipour, 35, who has a toddler, said she was storing medicine and food because she feared a “possible war and bigger bombs.” Some Tehran residents are also preparing to leave the capital.

Blockade adds economic strain

The currency has reached record lows and inflation has surged. Basic groceries are difficult for some middle-class families to afford: since the war began, rice has risen by more than 60% and beef by more than 150%. Mohammad Mohammadi, 36, said a supermarket visit can consume half of a monthly mid-range salary of 400 million rials, roughly $150.

Residents prepare for uncertainty

Rising attacks on commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz have prompted some families to stock up. Mohammad Abedi, 39, said he bought extra dried dates, cooking oil and rice. This month has brought the highest number of reported attacks on ships crossing the strait since the war’s opening weeks in March.

Negotiations remain stalled

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described the country as facing “a dangerous turning point” amid economic problems and divisions within its leadership. The president has accused Washington of disrupting negotiations, which have shown little progress for months. Public details of talks through mediators have been scarce since Trump rejected an Iranian proposal last month.

Political moderates have urged a deal with the United States to help the economy. But Sasan Karimi, a former government official and University of Tehran foreign policy professor, said Iran’s leaders expect further strikes and are preparing for different scenarios. He said economic pressure would not persuade people in Iran to accept a deal, as Tehran is counting on resistance to alter the other side’s calculations.