Residents in Tehran reported signs of normalcy returning to the Iranian capital Thursday
By Bernie,
Residents in Tehran reported signs of normalcy returning to the Iranian capital Thursday, with no sounds of gunfire or visible evidence of bonfires and destruction that marked the height of protests last week, the Associated Press reported. Reuters published footage showing Tehran streets filled with pedestrians.
One Tehran resident told Reuters that Trump "talks a lot" and that Iranians would not be deterred. "He wants Iranians to kneel, that's a mistake, we will stand against him with all our capabilities," he said. Another resident, Mohammad Kha'ari, said life is returning to normal but the economic situation remains severe.
NBC News reported Thursday that Trump told his security team he wants any military action against Iran to deliver a "quick and decisive" blow rather than a prolonged conflict lasting weeks or months. However, three sources told NBC that Trump's advisers have been unable to guarantee the Iranian regime would collapse quickly following a strike. There are also concerns the U.S. does not currently have all necessary assets in the region to defend against an expected aggressive Iranian response.
Senator Lindsey Graham criticized Gulf allies Thursday over reports they pressured Trump to avoid military action. "All the headlines suggesting our so-called 'Arab allies' intervened on behalf of Iran to avoid decisive military action by President Trump are most disturbing," Graham said. "The Ayatollah regime has American blood on its hands. They are slaughtering people in the streets."
Internet service in Iran has now been cut for more than 168 hours, a full week, though some Iranians have reported being able to make international calls.
Topics: Iran, Diplomacy
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