Ground Report from Tehran Amidst the Israel-Iran Ceasefire

In the aftermath of the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran, CBS News was granted access to Tehran to observe the realities facing residents in the capital. The team's journey commenced from the Turkish-Iranian border and required over 14 hours of travel due to numerous checkpoints and poor road conditions, reflecting the logistical challenges of entering the country, which is under strict media control and surveillance for foreign journalists.

Upon arrival in Tehran, the crew noted an airspace closure had made travelling harder, though Iran's airspace had partially reopened by then. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a severe fuel crisis, evidenced by long lines at gasoline stations where locals waited extensively to fill their tanks. The city itself, however, was gradually resuming normal activities after suffering nearly two weeks of continuous Israeli bombardments.

Many residents, encouraged by a recent ceasefire, began to emerge from their homes, despite a warning from President Trump for an evacuation of the city’s sizable population. In particular, Firdous Park, known for being a hub of intellectual discourse, witnessed a modest revival as some cafes reopened, drawing in people like Mohammed Raziq, who expressed a hope that peace would prevail.

Nevertheless, the atmosphere in Tehran remained tense and far from ordinary, particularly with the looming figure of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has been notably absent during this tumultuous time. As uncertainty prevails, citizens voiced their shared desire for peace, with Raziq highlighting that despite differing opinions, Iranians share a collective wish for an end to the conflict.