# Rising War Fears and Information Scarcity Grip Iranian Public Civilians face psychological distress while state media and international reports fuel uncertainty. - **Source:** [DW – World](https://www.dw.com/en) - **Published:** 2026-11-06 - **Topic:** [world](https://brifing.si/c/world) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/17b35899-6bfa-4ed3-a86a-b49e232cb3fc ## Pervasive Fear Among Civilians Iranian citizens are living under a constant state of psychological distress due to the ongoing military standoff with the United States and Israel. A 37-year-old mother in Tehran reported that even minor household noises, such as slamming doors, trigger intense anxiety, as residents fear that sudden military strikes could occur at any moment. ## Schools Remain Operational Despite Risks Despite the heightened military tensions, schools across Iran remain open to ensure children continue their education. However, some private institutions have proactively sent guidance to parents regarding emergency protocols in the event of a renewed conflict. The Education Ministry spokesperson Ali Farhadi urged the public to ignore rumors aimed at forcing school closures. ## State Media Issues Nuclear Advisories Iranian state television broadcast specific safety instructions on November 2, advising citizens on how to protect themselves during a potential nuclear strike. The guidance suggests remaining in shelters for at least 24 hours. This follows public speculation regarding US intentions to target an underground bunker located 220 kilometers south of the capital city, Tehran. ## Speculation Over Underground Facilities Public concern is heavily focused on the Pickaxe Mountain bunker, situated near the Natanz nuclear facility. While President Donald Trump has hinted at potential military action against this location, he has not explicitly confirmed plans for a nuclear strike. The Iranian government continues to deny that any nuclear-related activities occur at this specific mountain site. ## Impact of US Midterm Elections The US midterm election results have introduced new variables into the conflict. While some in Tehran view the Republican losses as a political victory, analysts suggest Trump might pursue aggressive foreign policy actions before the new Congress takes office in two months. This potential window creates a volatile period for ongoing military decision-making processes. ## Diplomatic Efforts and Mediation Qatari mediators are currently working to persuade both the Iranian and US governments to accept a draft peace deal. The primary objective is to prevent further escalation and facilitate a return to direct negotiations. Despite these efforts, the substance of these high-level talks remains entirely closed to the public and domestic media outlets. ## Information Vacuum and Media Frustration Journalists in Iran have expressed frustration regarding the lack of transparency surrounding peace negotiations. Reporters often rely on international outlets like Axios or Al Jazeera to understand developments that directly impact their daily lives. This information vacuum makes it difficult for local media to develop independent narratives or provide meaningful context to citizens. ## Public Fatigue and Social Impact The prolonged uncertainty has led to significant media fatigue among the Iranian population. Many elderly citizens, such as a 72-year-old retiree, have chosen to avoid news consumption entirely to cope with the stress. The persistent fog of war has left many feeling exhausted, with some families finding relief only through the emigration of their children. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.dw.com/en/for-people-in-iran-a-constant-threat-of-war-and-dearth-of-information/a-79875438?maca=en-rss-en-world-4025-rdf — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._