A traveler from Australia visiting Iran faced unforeseen peril as conflict erupted during their trip. Initially intending a short family visit, they encountered Israeli attacks while in Kurdistan, resulting in isolation due to airspace closure and internet restrictions. Eventually, they crossed into Turkey, driven by a profound sense of loss as they bid farewell to elderly parents. Concerned about the potential for escalating regional conflict, the traveler underscores the need for dialogue and mutual respect as paths towards peace, while also highlighting the resilience of ordinary Iranians navigating everyday life amid turmoil.
As an Australian-Iranian citizen, I feel caught between two countries and two identities, painfully aware that escalation serves no one and peace cannot be imposed through fear.
The past few days have been some of the most intense and heartbreaking of my life, saying goodbye to my elderly parents and siblings, not knowing when I'll see them again.
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