The "Ramadan War," as the conflict between the U.S. and Israel on Iran is known, has profoundly altered daily routines in Tehran, forcing a 47-year-old teacher named Mehran to adapt to a new reality.

Mehran, who requested to be identified by a single name, now teaches his students online from a confined space in his apartment. The war has led to bombing of universities, schools, and industries, emptying streets and making distance learning the norm. His experience offers a glimpse into a city striving for normalcy amidst the war's pervasive impact.

His day begins with a struggle for internet bandwidth. With the shift to the domestic "Shad" e-learning platform following wartime internet restrictions, the national network is available but significantly weakened by increased user numbers. This often causes disruptions during his online classes, with his voice breaking up and students disconnecting.

The limited space in his apartment exacerbates the challenges. His teenage daughter, Mehraneh, uses an old tablet for her lessons in the living room, while his younger son, Sam, relies on his mother's smartphone in the hallway for a better signal. His wife, Azadeh, also works remotely, further straining the household's internet connection.

Beyond the digital struggles, Mehran faces economic hardships. A trip to the pharmacy to buy heart medication for his mother reveals shelves with missing essential medicines and drastically increased prices. He noted that medication now consumes a quarter of his salary, a significant jump from the previous seven percent, yet he considers himself fortunate.

The war has led to hyperinflation, impacting the cost of survival for many Tehran residents. This is evident not only in the price of medicines but also in other daily necessities, although the source material does not detail these further.

Despite the difficulties, Mehran's day also includes moments of connection and resilience. He participates in solidarity rallies, heading to Revolution Square, indicating a desire to maintain community and national spirit amidst the conflict.

Mehran's routine, from the frustrations of virtual teaching to the anxieties of affording necessities and the quiet determination to participate in public life, paints a picture of how ordinary citizens in Tehran are navigating their lives under the shadow of an ongoing war.