Iranian community in Hyderabad fears for families back home amid rising tensions

While the United States and Iran are engaged in talks in Geneva as of February 26 over Tehran’s nuclear programme, and with the threat of an attack on that country looming large, members of the Iranian community in Hyderabad say they are experiencing growing anxiety about the safety of their families and the future of their country.

The concerns, they say, are shaped not only by the prospect of fresh hostilities but also by memories of the recent Israeli strikes on Iranian territory, domestic political unrest, and years of economic sanctions that have affected everyday life. Many fear that any escalation could disrupt communications, leaving them cut off from their relatives at a time of crisis.

“We fear that an attack may not be only by conventional means but also cyber. This could mean an internet and communications blackout. In such a situation, how do we stay connected with our families?” said Nima, an Iranian from Tehran who has been living in Hyderabad for over a decade, and requested that only his first name be used.

Recalling the previous episode of hostilities, Mr. Nima said that during the earlier 12-day conflict there were periods when communication links were disrupted. “For days we did not know what had happened to our family members or relatives. Talking to them had become a massive challenge,” he said.

He added that people in Iran were closely following developments through social media, but were also preparing for contingencies.

“I am told that people are buying radios in case things go bad and internet is shut,” say the Iranians, noting that all their family members reside there.

Jaleel Rooz, a Hyderabad-based restaurateur of Iranian heritage with longstanding ties to the country, expressed similar concerns. While his immediate family lives with him in India, his extended family, aunts and uncles, remain in Iran.

“The decades-long sanctions on Iran have already deeply affected the economy. The currency devaluation has had a devastating effect. So any attack will only worsen the situation,” he said.

Mr. Rooz said he had spoken to relatives, a little over a week ago, and sensed apprehension. “There is the fear of what could happen next. While anything can happen anytime, we certainly hope that it does not,” he said.

Others pointed out that this uncertainty is compounded by political tensions within Iran itself, including recent protests against the regime. They said that given the uncertainty, their relatives have begun to stock-up on essential supplies. “Our relatives have told us that they are on the way to store water, ration and medicine,” said an Iranian living in Hyderabad.