Iranian Families Balance Remote Learning and Work Amid War Ceasefire

Tehran, Iran - Iranian families are grappling with the ongoing disruptions from school closures triggered by a recent war, as parents juggle remote learning for their children while resuming work amid economic strain and the shadow of a fragile ceasefire.

The conflict, initiated by airstrikes from the United States and Israel on February 28, has kept schools shuttered nationwide, with no clear timeline for in-person classes to resume. A ceasefire took effect shortly after the initial attacks, easing immediate fears of bombardment in the capital, but it is scheduled to expire early next week. The war has claimed at least 3,000 lives in Iran, including more than 165 people in a strike on an elementary school. Negotiations remain stalled over issues such as Iran's enriched uranium program, and a potential U.S. naval blockade could exacerbate the country's already weakened economy.

For working parents, the shift to online education mirrors challenges from the COVID-19 closures six years ago but is compounded by war-related trauma and uncertainty. Mahnaz Ataei, a finance manager in Tehran, now brings her 7-year-old son to her office to supervise his virtual lessons while handling her...