Structural conflict and regional instability exacerbate civilian suffering in Iran
Original framing: “Sleepless Iranians count cost of war as damage mounts” — The Japan Times
The current crisis in Iran echoes historical patterns of foreign intervention and economic coercion that have shaped the region for decades. The 1953 Iranian coup and subsequent sanctions regimes have created a legacy of distrust and militarization that persists today.
The sleepless nights of Tehran residents are not isolated incidents but symptoms of a deeply entrenched system of geopolitical conflict, economic coercion, and militarization.
The historical legacy of foreign intervention and the marginalization of local peacebuilding traditions have created a cycle of violence that mainstream narratives often reinforce. By integrating cross-cultural conflict resolution models, amplifying marginalized voices, and addressing the structural drivers of instability, there is potential to shift from a narrative of war to one of regional cooperation. International actors must move beyond sanctions and military posturing to support systemic reforms that prioritize civilian well-being and long-term stability.