"Fears have surged after Trump said he is considering a strike and US forces expanded their presence in the region, reviving memories of last summer’s 12-day conflict and a fragile ceasefire"

This quote immediately sets a tone of fear by highlighting the surge of fears and recalling past conflicts, aiming to evoke concern in the reader rather than presenting information neutrally.

"Fears have surged"

The word 'surged' is emotionally charged, suggesting an overwhelming and uncontrollable increase in fear, which amplifies the perceived severity of the situation.

"memories remain fresh of the 12-day conflict in June that ended in a fragile ceasefire."

The article repeatedly references the '12-day conflict' and its 'fragile ceasefire,' reinforcing the instability and potential for renewed violence in the reader's mind, making these points seem more salient.

"fragile ceasefire"

The word 'fragile' implicitly suggests that the peace is tenuous and easily broken, adding to the sense of imminent conflict and instability.

"bracing for the possibility of a broader conflict"

The phrase 'bracing for' suggests an defensive posture in anticipation of a severe and unavoidable event, thus intensifying the perception of threat.

"fueled anxiety"

The verb 'fueled' implies that the deployment directly ignited and intensified existing anxieties, attributing a strong negative emotional response to the military presence.

"“I sleep badly at night, even with medication,” said Hamid, a retiree in Tehran, speaking to Agence France-Presse. Others described similar fears as speculation grows that another round of fighting could erupt in the coming days."

The inclusion of personal anecdotes about inability to sleep due to fear directly appeals to the reader's emotions, emphasizing the distressing impact of the situation on everyday people and thus intensifying the sense of a looming threat.

"I have nightmares where I am being chased and I die,” she said. “I go to bed late, wake up late and I am depressed.”"

This quote is a direct appeal to fear and sympathy by detailing deeply personal mental suffering (nightmares, depression) caused by the conflict, aiming to provoke a strong emotional reaction in the reader about the human cost of the situation.

"a surprise attack"

The word 'surprise' highlights the unexpected and aggressive nature of the attack, creating a sense of vulnerability and danger.

"“Everything changes by the hour.”"

This statement conveys a sense of rapid, unpredictable, and uncontrollable escalation, contributing to an atmosphere of uncertainty and heightened tension.

"A recent nighttime thunderstorm in Tehran and fireworks marking the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution were enough to alarm some residents, who initially feared fighting had resumed."

This statement exaggerates the level of fear by implying that ordinary, non-military sounds could be mistaken for warfare, suggesting extreme anxiety among the populace.

"Iran has warned that in the event of an attack, Israel would be considered a legitimate target, along with U.S. bases in the Middle East."

The term 'legitimate target' from Iran's perspective is presented without counterbalancing context, potentially amplifying the perceived threat and the justification for retaliation.

"Trump has cited a figure of more than 30,000 protesters killed during demonstrations in January, a claim that differs from other estimates."

By stating that Trump's claim 'differs from other estimates,' the article implicitly casts doubt on the accuracy or credibility of his reported figure without directly refuting it or providing concrete evidence of its falsehood.

"deliberately targeting protesters"

The word 'deliberately' implies malicious intent and adds a strong negative emotional charge to the actions of the Iranian security forces.

"what they describe as terrorists backed by Israel and the United States."

The Iranian authorities' labeling of those responsible as 'terrorists' is a clear instance of name-calling, used to discredit and demonize a group without substantive argument.

"“Since the protests, my life has been on pause,” Haniyeh said. “Now with this situation, we are waiting to see what happens. I think war will break out within 10 days.”"

The phrase 'life has been on pause' conveys a sense of stagnation and despair, while the direct prediction of war 'within 10 days' creates a highly urgent and alarming tone.

"“I bought about 10 cans of food, including tuna and beans, as well as cookies, bottled water and spare batteries,” Ahmadvand said. “I don’t wish for war, but we must not take the situation lightly.”"

This quote highlights the practical fear of conflict by describing a citizen stocking emergency supplies, framing the situation as serious enough to warrant such precautions and implying that the reader, too, should 'not take the situation lightly.'