How coffee shops became ‘the last pleasure’ for war-weary Tehran

In Tehran, amid social restrictions and a war-weary populace, coffee shops have emerged as a sanctuary of last resort for middle-class residents seeking to reclaim some semblance of normalcy and pleasure. Some cafés have even gone so far as to defy bans on alcohol, highlighting a growing defiance against stringent social controls. This shift underscores a broader pushback against oppressive measures, making these establishments not just places for coffee but symbols of resistance and cultural resilience.