ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The ceasefire between the United States and Iran has brought an uneasy calm to Iran’s Kurdish-majority regions in western Iran, known as Rojhelat, where residents describe a deepening sense of uncertainty and economic strain amid a fragile US-Iran ceasefire, a special correspondent in Rojhelat reports.
In the days leading up to the truce, daily life in Rojhelat was adjusted to the rhythms of war. Streets near military and security installations were largely abandoned, as residents feared they could be targeted in the US-Israeli strikes that began in late February. Warnings about potential attacks on energy infrastructure triggered widespread anxiety over possible disruptions to electricity, gas, and water supplies.
Many residents rushed to purchase alternative supplies, including solar systems and fuel, as fears mounted following threats from US President Donald Trump, who had issued a final ultimatum to Tehran.
Ceasefire aftermath
When the two-week ceasefire was announced on April 8, it initially brought relief. However, that sense of calm quickly gave way to unease as people began to process what the halt in fighting might mean for their future.
Despite the ceasefire, signs of militarization remain visible. Security forces are still deployed across major streets and squares, some sleeping in their vehicles, maintaining what residents describe as a lingering “war atmosphere.” Schools continue to operate online, universities remain closed, and internet access is still restricted, forcing many to rely on satellite television for news.
Economic activity has partially resumed, with traffic returning to previously avoided streets and queues for fuel and basic goods easing. However, market conditions remain weak, with consumers limiting spending to essential items.
Sirwan, a sandwich seller who spoke to Rudaw using an alias for security reasons, expressed frustration with the ceasefire, saying, “I hope they don't reach an agreement. Continued war is a good opportunity for a public uprising and the end of this Iranian authority over us. But unfortunately, there are some poor people who are terrified by the fear of this war.”
He added that while people have flooded back to the streets, economic activity amid a notable decline in the public’s purchasing power. “After the ceasefire was announced, the streets only became more crowded, but sales became weaker. People are hesitant about the situation and are afraid to spend money,” Sirwan said.
Ali, a women’s fabric vendor, echoed the sentiment, noting that the increased number of people in the bazaar has not translated into sales. “Unlike some people, I wasn't shocked by the ceasefire. It was obvious it would turn out this way,” he said, predicting “a prolonged period of instability that could lead to eventual collapse of the regime.”
Rising prices have further strained households, with food prices increasing significantly. As a result, imported goods from neighboring regions, including the Kurdistan Region and Turkey, have become more prevalent in local markets.
The real estate sector has been particularly affected. Wrya, a real estate agent, described a frozen market with soaring prices but no transactions. “The price of homes and land is very high, but at the same time, no transactions - large or small - are taking place,” he said. “There are buyers, but people aren't selling.”
He attributed the stagnation to inflation and uncertainty, adding that even in wartime conditions, landlords have continued to raise rents. “Even in this dire situation of war, no one lowers the rent,” he lamented. “The landlord wants to compensate for the high cost of living at the tenant's expense.”
Currency markets have also fluctuated. Hawre, a currency exchange trader, said the US dollar dropped from 1,620,000 Iranian rials to 1,510,000 following the announcement of the ceasefire, before rebounding to roughly 1,600,000 rials as diplomatic talks stalled.
“If a permanent ceasefire is reached, it might only drop by another 100,000 to 150,000 rials,” he said, adding that a collapse of the Iranian government could push it closer to 1000,000 rials.
“This government could only last for another year, it would be surprising if it lasts more than that,” Hawre added.
Reactions to the ceasefire
Among security personnel and government supporters, the ceasefire is seen as a victory. Saeed, a police officer, said, “Iran was so strong that it was able to defeat [the United States of] America and bring them to the negotiating table.” He also defended the government’s actions during the nationwide protests earlier this year, alleging that “the majority of them [demonstrators] were armed elements sent and directed by America and Israel, though some civilians were caught in the crosshairs.”
Others, particularly older residents, expressed relief that the war had stopped. Maryam said, “I was very afraid of the sound of the aircraft and explosions.” While she acknowledged that strikes rarely targeted residential areas, she added, “I couldn't bear it.”
The 56-year-old further expressed hope for change through other means, stating, “Perhaps God will have mercy and this regime will leave and be gone in some other way.”
Religious perspectives also shape attitudes. Mullah Kamal, a local Sunni religious cleric, said, “I wanted the war to stop. In any case, I am not in favor of Jewish power prevailing over an Islamic country, even if it is a Shiite-led one.”
Among Kurds living in other Iranian cities, particularly the capital Tehran, the ceasefire has exposed deep social and political divisions. Arif, a laborer, described widespread unemployment due to factory closures and weakened markets. Meanwhile, Parwane, a Kurdish woman from Kermanshah province, said, “The people of Tehran are very agitated; they are falling apart in this situation.”
She added that society is increasingly split between those who support continuing the war to bring down the Iranian establishment and those who oppose further conflict. “There is a group that hates the regime, but they prefer the survival of the government over the total destruction and disappearance of Iran,” she said.
For many in Rojhelat, the ceasefire only marked a cessation of active hostilities but has yet to end this war, ushering in a new phase of uncertainty. The war created a sense of possibility for political change, but the sudden truce has left people grappling with unanswered questions about their future.