Iranians Brace for War as US and Israeli Elections Near
Iranians are bracing for a possible return to all-out war as Israeli and U.S. leaders sharpen threats ahead of elections in both countries, with President Donald Trump vowing to "finish the job" in Iran as a third aircraft carrier and thousands of troops head to the region. Tehran residents report growing anxiety, with some preparing to leave the capital and stockpiling food and medicine. Iran's leadership expects Trump to order new strikes regardless of midterm results, and has threatened new targets including undersea data cables, while a U.S. naval blockade has restricted oil exports and caused medicine shortages. Economic pressures have driven inflation and currency values to record lows, with basic grocery prices soaring and a supermarket trip consuming half a monthly salary. Iran's president says the country faces "a dangerous turning point," while analysts note that neither election is likely to improve relations between the nations.