Across Tehran, women of all ages openly defy Iran's compulsory hijab rules. Many see this as a sign that the Islamic Republic was weakened by the 12-day war with Israel. In an exclusive interview from inside Iran, DW spoke with two young Iranian women.

Tehran

Recent accounts from Tehran indicate a noticeable relaxation in the enforcement of hijab rules, particularly after the death of Mahsa Amini. Many women now feel more comfortable deciding whether or not to wear the hijab, with this change visible in public spaces such as cafes, restaurants, and supermarkets.

Despite the increased freedom regarding dress, the report notes that broader issues of happiness, freedom, and livelihood remain unresolved. Many Iranians express a sense of hopelessness and dissatisfaction with the country's political direction, suggesting that the easing of hijab enforcement has not led to wider societal change.

Iranian women unveiled: A shift in hijab enforcement?

The hijab was given to us before and after the war. It was easier and more comfortable. We didn't have to stand in front of each other. We just walked past each other. We don't even remember the shape of the hijab anymore. Everyone is more comfortable now. If someone wants to wear a hijab, he can. If he doesn't want to, he can't. In this issue, at least, they were completely backward. They wanted people to get closer to themselves, because they saw themselves alone. After Mahsa Amini's death in 1941, we saw girls who didn't have a hijab anymore. When it was summer, wearing a hijab became a routine. But it was done out of fear. But after the war, it became much easier and more comfortable. Because they didn't have a job, and they didn't have a hijab. It was something that happened in cafes, in restaurants, and even in supermarkets. People were very comfortable. Most of the time, young girls would come and go, buy things, and they didn't have anything else to do. A few days ago, we were tired and exhausted. But now we are the people of Iran. I don't know why, but the Islamic Republic felt that now that it's taking over the whole country, there were four people who didn't have a hijab. It opened up a path for people to get out of the conflict. The issue of 401 didn't happen again. I feel that it hasn't brought happiness and freedom yet. Freedom isn't just about wearing a hijab. I feel that politics is behind all of this. The way the Islamic Republic continues to use this model, and every time it has to deal with something, it does it. Because it wasn't just that. It wasn't just about wearing a hijab. It was about livelihood. It was a comfortable and ordinary life. It was really ordinary. People didn't get what they wanted. The situation now is that there is no war, no peace. We know that there will be no war. There is no peace. There is no real peace. There is a sense of helplessness. We have no answer to that. We are just people. We don't know what to do. We don't know what to do. We have no answer to that. People seem to be in a state of despair. I feel that the city is in a state of despair. It is hopeless. There is no change. There is no hope for the future. Even for me. In my own country, I am a prisoner. The Islamic Republic cannot lead Iran in a better way. This is a bad sign. 40 years ago, the country was in a bad situation. Now it is in a bad situation. We have fallen in everything. This shows that the Islamic Republic's policy has not worked. In nothing.

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