‘Endless fears’: Even if fighting stops, the damage to Iran’s children will endure
Ali’s Mind is Haunted by the Echoes of War
The conflict has taken residence in his thoughts. A slamming door or dropped cutlery now sends him into sudden, involuntary reactions. The peace agreement fails to alleviate his lingering anxiety. “Before the war, I felt no stress at all,” shares Ali, a 15-year-old whose name has been withheld. “But now, even the smallest sound triggers a severe mental response.” He describes how the trauma of US and Israeli airstrikes has embedded itself in his psyche, creating an automatic startle reflex to loud noises. “The blast echoes, the shockwaves, and the roar of jets overhead all leave a lasting impact,” he adds.
Children’s World Contracts Under Siege
Over 20% of Iran’s population is under 14, a staggering 20.4 million young lives. Ali’s experience reflects a common condition among children: “hyper arousal,” a psychological state that may signal early signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). His observations of his parents’ fear highlight the broader toll. His father is unemployed, while his mother remains perpetually anxious. “She becomes frightened and stressed whenever fighter jets pass,” Ali notes. “I feel the same, but there’s no way to escape the constant worry about bombs and political chaos.”
A War of Endless Fears
Their world has shrunk to the confines of homes. With schools closed and streets patrolled by regime militias, Iranian families are trapped in uncertainty. They wait, hoping the ceasefire lasts. The trauma extends across the region, affecting children in Israel, Lebanon, and the Gulf as well. Through on-the-ground contacts, the BBC has gathered accounts from parents and caregivers. Some identities are protected for safety. At a human rights center in Tehran, Aysha – a counselor whose name is also changed – speaks to a mother over the phone. “Engage him in activities that bring calm,” she advises. “If that doesn’t help, bring him here for support.”
Children as Frontline Fighters
Many parents have been pushed to send their children into the battlefield. The Iranian regime has actively encouraged enrollment in the Basij volunteer militia, a critical state force. A televised address from a regime official urged parents to “take your children by the hand and step onto the streets.” He framed the war as a test of masculinity for boys. “Do you want your son to grow into a man? Let him feel like a hero on the frontlines, commanding the fight. Send him to the checkpoints at night.”
A Tragic Testimony
For 11-year-old Alireza Jafari, this call to arms meant death. He was killed in a drone strike while assisting his father at a Tehran checkpoint on 29 March. His mother, Sadaf Monfared, recounted his final words: “I would like to become a martyr.” The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), based in the US, reports 3,636 fatalities and tens of thousands of injuries from the war. At least 254 children have been among the dead.
Violation of Child Rights
Amnesty International criticizes the recruitment of minors for military service. It calls this a “grave violation of international humanitarian law,” labeling it a war crime. Iran’s security laws permit the involvement of children under 15, contradicting global norms. One Tehran resident, known as Noor, vows to keep his teenage son away from the frontlines. “A 12-year-old should not be asked to fight,” he insists. “Their future should not be defined by war.”
