‘Every day feels like a month’: Iranians describe life under US-Israeli strikes
Every day feels like a month: Iranians describe life under US-Israeli strikes
Since the strikes began on 28 February, Tehran has faced relentless attacks as the US and Israel target military and political sites to weaken the Islamic regime. The sheer volume of explosions and the resulting devastation have left many Iranians in disbelief, according to Salar, whose name has been changed. “The destruction is worse than anything we’ve seen before,” he said.
Impact of the Strikes
Iranian officials reported over 160 fatalities, including children, after a girls’ school in Minab was hit on Saturday. The White House stated it is investigating the incident but emphasized its focus on military targets, not civilians. However, the attacks have spread beyond the intended areas, causing widespread fear and disruption.
“What we are experiencing now surpasses the intensity of the 12-day conflict,” a Tehran resident told BBC Persian, referring to last year’s Israel-Iran clash.
Some Iranians express anxiety for their families, while others criticize the regime for its perceived weakness and remain hopeful about the country’s future. The first wave of strikes killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but air assaults have continued without pause, intensifying the sense of chaos.
“Each day has felt like a month,” Salar said. “The volume of attacks is so high.”
He recounted how a recent strike shook his entire house and described leaving windows open to prevent glass from shattering. Internet blackouts have compounded the challenges, making it hard for Iranians to communicate with loved ones. Most remain indoors, venturing out only for essentials.
Security Measures and Fear
The regime has stepped up its security presence, with checkpoints appearing in every corner of the city. “They’re scared of their own shadows,” said a 25-year-old student in Tehran. “There are police forces around everywhere.”
“Every day they send SMS messages warning that if we go outside, they will deal with us harshly,” Salar said. “A message came saying that if anyone among you goes out and protests, we consider you Israeli collaborators.”
The fear of harsh reprisals has led some to flee Tehran. Salar sent his parents north, unsure of which cities would remain safe. His home in the Shariati neighborhood of Tehran, known for military installations, has become a site of constant bombardment. “My mother was in very bad shape—she was very frightened,” he added, noting the current strikes are more severe than those during the 1980s Iran-Iraq war.
Disruption of Daily Life
Basic goods like eggs and potatoes have seen dramatic price hikes, and fuel and bread queues are growing by the hour. “The lines are unbelievable,” said a resident of the capital. “Most shops are closed, though supermarkets and bakeries still operate.”
Tehran feels “empty” now, with citizens forced to justify every trip outside. “On the first day, people were chanting and everyone seemed happy,” one resident recalled. “But now, there are police forces around.”
Kaveh, another resident of Zanjan—located 275km northeast of Tehran—described his city’s bombardment. “In the first three days, our city was heavily bombed,” he said. “Fighter jets pass overhead constantly.”
“The sky was constantly cloudy from smoke rising from strike sites,” Kaveh noted. “It was simultaneously beautiful and horrifying.”
As the conflict continues, more people are leaving Tehran, though not all can afford to. “My friend’s grandmother is ill, and they can’t move her,” Salar said. The situation remains fluid, with survival and staying connected to the outside world becoming top priorities for many.
