Overview
- Hundreds of millions are marking the Persian New Year at the vernal equinox, which fell Friday at 10:46 a.m. ET.
- Ongoing US‑Israel attacks on Iran have muted or reshaped observances, with many public events reduced, canceled or recast for mourning and security; some outlets also carried unverified claims about Iran’s leadership that other reporting did not corroborate.
- Inside Iran, reporters describe stocked bazaars but a subdued atmosphere, curtailed travel and near‑total communication outages that make family gatherings and check‑ins difficult.
- Diaspora communities reflect divergent choices between quieter observances and cultural resistance, with smaller, security‑watched gatherings in Iraqi Kurdistan and official recognition in Canada noting the difficult circumstances.
- Core rituals such as Haft‑Sin displays and traditional dishes including sabzi polo mahi and kuku sabzi remain central, with Persian restaurants and markets offering seasonal menus and goods despite uneven business conditions.