The Unseen Toll of Conflict on Iran’s Coastlines

In the midst of ongoing headlines about war, one lesser-known consequence has been playing out in Iran’s coastal regions. Khadijeh Bandari, a 28-year-old Iranian fisherwoman from Hengam Island, is a poignant reminder of the human cost of war.

Bandari’s life was shattered when her family’s seaside guesthouse, which relied on Instagram sales and local tourism, was severely impacted by the January internet shutdown. But it wasn’t until February 28, when her mother received news that a war had begun while out fishing, that Bandari’s world was forever altered.

The subsequent days saw residents of Hengam Island flee their homes as the pier was closed due to fears of bombing. Fishing boats were grounded, and the once-thriving island economy began to collapse. The islanders’ way of life – tied closely to the sea – had become a liability in the face of war.

The internet shutdown had already disrupted Bandari’s family business, but it was the news of war that brought their lives to a standstill. With no access to information or communication, they were left to wonder what was happening and when it would end. The uncertainty was suffocating.

When the pier was closed, fishing boats were grounded, and the island economy began to collapse. People like Hava Arbabí, who lost both her boat and home in the attacks, struggled to make ends meet at her sister’s house. The financial burden imposed by these losses will be felt for years to come.

For those living through it, this war has eroded the sense of security that Iranians once took for granted. Bandari and her family were among the lucky ones – they managed to escape the island temporarily when their husband decided to take them away for a few days. However, the trauma inflicted on these individuals is only just beginning to show its full force.

Nightly discussions on Hengam Island revolved around how much time was left before more devastation ensued. The bombing of Hengam and Qeshm islands has become an enduring nightmare that shows no signs of abating. Bandari speaks candidly about the constant sound of bombs and missiles, which her family tried to distract their three-year-old son from with stories and games.

The war’s toll extends far beyond the immediate physical damage. It is a testament to the long-term psychological scars inflicted on those caught in its midst. The international community must wake up to the reality that this war is not just a distant news headline but an unfolding tragedy affecting ordinary people like Bandari.

In times of conflict, it’s easy to lose sight of the human cost when we focus solely on politics. But Bandari’s story serves as a poignant reminder that even in times of war, there are those who will always bear the brunt – those who have nothing to gain but everything to lose.