For months, US President Donald Trump has issued nearly daily statements regarding the conflict with Iran, ranging from threats of extensive bombing to claims of renewed negotiations. Despite the high stakes, many Iranians, including But Faezeh, a 27-year-old financial firm employee in Tehran, have stopped closely following these developments to protect their mental health. She told Al Jazeera, “His words certainly impact our lives, but I try to escape this toxic environment of uncertainty by focusing on what I can control and protecting myself and my loved ones.”

As the conflict nears six months, the level of concern among Iranians has notably decreased compared to April 7, when Trump warned that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” before announcing a ceasefire shortly after.

Roham, a colleague of Faezeh, observed that “The US used to have presidents who talked less and did more. But now with the role of social media and other outlets in which Mr Trump is well-versed, he talks more and doesn’t have to do as much.” Ali, a product manager at a technology company in Tehran, added that Trump’s statements often reflect his focus on stock markets and oil prices, which he monitors to interpret the president’s intentions.

Following reports of a potential “massive attack” on Iran, Trump announced that talks facilitated by mediators would occur with representatives from Tehran on Monday, August 3rd, 2026. However, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz were in final stages with Oman, not the US.

Baghaei, a representative of the Islamic Republic, expressed skepticism about US officials’ statements, saying, “I am sometimes surprised why you put so much stock in comments by US officials that have time and time again proven baseless,” and affirmed that Iran would not back down from its “principled positions.”

Earlier this week, a state TV analyst warned that if the war escalates, the US might attempt a combination of actions to topple the Islamic Republic, including assassinations, infrastructure attacks, fomenting internal unrest, border clashes, and a ground offensive in southern Iran.

Sources