Nothing Feels Normal, President’s Son Reveals

The ongoing war in Iran has left an indelible mark on citizens, but when reflections come from the diary of the president’s own son, they attract intense scrutiny. Yusef Pajeshekian’s journal entries capture both the personal and societal reverberations of the conflict, blending intimate moments with observations on national strategy.

Yusef, the 45-year-old assistant professor of physics and eldest son of President Masoud Pajeshekian, who assumed office in 2024, has been documenting daily life amid war. Though loyal to his father, he openly reflects on the uncertainties and moral dilemmas surrounding Iran’s military decisions, the human cost, and the emotional toll on ordinary Iranians.

Unlike some political insiders, Yusef does not possess privileged intelligence. “I have no secret information,” he writes. “I even question whether anyone should know events 48 hours in advance.” His diary draws instead on public broadcasts and social media, presenting a candid mosaic of hopes, fears, and shifting public sentiment under stringent state censorship.

One poignant entry describes a moment in Tehran:

“Missiles sounded at noon as the rain fell. The city’s spring-like beauty was striking. If only I had a camera to capture it… If only there were no war, and I could walk these streets with my wife and children.”

Yusef also critiques the broader information environment, expressing frustration at government-imposed blackouts and censored news. He reflects on incidents affecting neighbouring Gulf states, questioning whether his father should apologise for civilian casualties.

Conversations with friends reveal the psychological toll. One recounted a nightmare about a missile striking near his home; the following day, it came true. Yusef notes the trembling hands and forced laughter that accompany such tragedies, illustrating the human dimension behind strategic decisions.

The diary additionally delves into military planning and national resilience:

Despite the gravity of the conflict, Yusef also shares tender personal moments. He recounts comforting his elderly grandmother, who grieves over casualties, even as he himself weeps upon leaving her home.

“Nothing feels normal,” he concludes, capturing both the disorientation and humanity amid a war that spares no one, not even the president’s family.

Yusef Pajeshekian’s diary, part personal catharsis, part social commentary, offers a rare window into the minds of those navigating life under the shadow of war—balancing loyalty, moral questioning, and the instinct to survive.

Source: Patrick Wintour, The Guardian