Southwest Florida residents react to escalating Iran conflict

FLORIDA, (WINK)—Tensions are escalating in the conflict involving Iran, and the effects are being felt far beyond the Middle East, reaching into Southwest Florida. 

Local veterans, those sheltered in Israel, and a local with ties to Iran are sharing their personal and emotional reflections on the unfolding situation.

Maryam Nabavi, who was born in Iran, had to flee her home during the Iranian Revolution in 1979 when she was just five years old.

"I still have vivid dreams, actually remembering the airport and the chaos sitting on my dad's shoulder. I was only five when all this was happening, trying to get out of the country," said Nabavi.

Decades later, Nabavi still feels the loss and heartbreak of leaving her home country.

"I grew up there, and 47 years later, you know, trying to get back to a country that we're from," she said.

However, recent developments have given her hope.

"So happy, glued to the TV, to the news, just anticipating, you know, anticipating this to happen, the regime to go down," said Nabavi. "It's been a massacre of our people and the youth, especially. So this is, it's huge. This is the biggest news in 47 years, really."

Nabavi shared a poignant moment involving her father, who was in hospice care.

"The day that this happened, my Father, bless his heart, was in hospice, and we were able to whisper in his ear that Khamenei was killed and that the regime's going down. A few hours later, he passed," she said. "But a big part of me knows that he really was waiting to hear this news before his passing."

A local rabbi's sister, who has been in and out of bomb shelters in Israel since Saturday, refuses to let fear take control.

"Let's capitalize on whatever Israel has to offer us under the circumstances of this war, and after the holiday, we'll figure out, you know, how to get home," said Gitty Rosenfeld.

For retired Marine Terry Daughtery, the uncertainty of the conflict feels familiar.

"The fears are all the same in every war. We fear for our families, and we will die to protect them. It's just that simple," said Daughtery.

Daughtery has a message for those fighting overseas.

"Do your job. Do it right, bring your brothers home," he said.

Nabavi hopes that the conflict will lead to a democratic new beginning for Iran and dreams of one day bringing her children to the country she left nearly 50 years ago.