‘I just want to be able to sleep’: Attacks in Iran rock cities and cut power
‘I just want to be able to sleep’: Attacks in Iran rock cities and cut power
Residents of Iran are expressing fatigue and anxiety after a sustained period of Israeli and US strikes, which have left them unable to rest as explosions continue to shake Tehran and Karaj. Reports from BBC Persian indicate that power outages have become a nightly occurrence, plunging some areas into complete darkness. “The electricity went out and I had no idea what was happening,” shared a man in his 30s from Tehran, describing the chaos of the past 10 days.
Strikes Target Critical Infrastructure
On Monday evening, the Israeli military confirmed a series of attacks targeting terror sites in Tehran. By Tuesday morning, it claimed to have struck an underground facility linked to the Revolutionary Guards’ weapons research, the Quds Force headquarters, and other defense production centers. A second wave of strikes followed that afternoon, further intensifying the disruption. These assaults are part of a larger conflict that began on 28 February, when the US and Israel launched a coordinated strike on Iran, prompting retaliatory attacks on Israel and US bases in the Middle East.
The US-based Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRANA) reported over 1,761 deaths in the country since the conflict started, including 1,245 civilians and 194 children. While access to Iran for journalists remains limited, BBC Persian has relied on anonymous sources to relay the experiences of those on the ground.
Survivors Describe Struggles and Resilience
“They hit hard last night. All you can see in our house are cracks in the walls. Sleeping has become the hardest thing for me,” said a Tehran resident in his 30s.
“I’m feeling terrible. They hit a street near us today. I just want to be able to sleep tonight,” added a man in his 20s, highlighting the growing proximity of attacks.
Some individuals expressed a mix of fear and determination. A woman in her 20s from Tehran described “every few hours” of explosions and a strange white light in the sky, unlike previous nights. “Even if it takes a few weeks now, it’s still better than spending a lifetime living with this system,” she said, reflecting a broader desire for change.
“I’m tired of this situation. The whole war is overwhelming. Some scenarios for the future and for the people of Iran are truly frightening,” remarked a Karaj resident in his 20s.
Meanwhile, a mother and restaurateur in her 50s from Karaj, a city 30 km west of Tehran, recounted a strike near her home that “truly felt the shadow of death over our heads.” Despite the danger, she vowed: “We are standing firm until the end to survive and to be free. Even if we are killed, it honestly does not matter compared to the lives that have already been lost in the hope of victory.”
Power Fluctuations and Distrust in Authorities
Power disruptions have left many in the dark or struggling with inconsistent electricity. A Tehran resident in his 30s noted outages lasting around 30 minutes, while others experienced fluctuations that made daily life challenging. “Every bit of routine I had is now gone. I either can’t do them or don’t have the motivation to carry them out,” he said, underscoring the toll on everyday activities.
Internet access in Iran has been heavily restricted, but BBC Persian continues to gather accounts from anonymous sources. A Karaj man described “blue light” in the sky during Monday night’s strikes, which he linked to his resolve: “I would tolerate this situation as long as the regime is gone.”
Meanwhile, a man in his 20s from Karaj mentioned being injured during anti-government protests in December and January, adding to his sense of exhaustion. “Missiles are getting closer every day,” he said, emphasizing the relentless nature of the conflict.
