Tehran cafes draw crowds despite inflation and war fears

Tehran cafes are drawing steady crowds as residents seek a break from high inflation and fears that hostilities with the United States and Israel could resume.

Mitra Alipour, 28, said cafes offer a way to escape stress over prices, war and anxiety-inducing news. She said she can no longer afford travel or a new phone but still treats herself to coffee while she can.

Officials say Iran's capital has about 3,000 cafes, a trend that has spread over the past decade. In northern Tehran, upscale cafes near shopping areas remain busy, while younger customers and couples gather in the evenings to socialise.

The visits come despite severe economic pressure. Inflation was 89 percent in September, and the average price of an espresso has more than tripled over two years to about 2.5 million rials, around one dollar at the current exchange rate. The minimum wage is about $65.

Some residents said cafes have become one of the few accessible places to meet or disconnect from daily pressures. Others noted that the cost now makes coffee a luxury for many Iranians.