‘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

The relentless barrage of explosions and the devastation they bring have left many Iranians stunned, according to Salar, whose name has been altered. Since the attacks began on 28 February, Tehran has endured a steady stream of strikes as the US and Israel focus on military and political installations in an effort to weaken the Islamic regime. However, the fallout has extended beyond these targeted zones, with civilian areas also bearing the brunt of the conflict.

In the city of Minab, a girls’ school was hit on Saturday, resulting in over 160 fatalities, including children. Iranian officials confirmed the casualties, though the White House is examining the incident, maintaining that the US does not deliberately target civilians. “What we are experiencing now is worse than the 12-day war,” a resident in Tehran told BBC Persian, referencing the prior Israel-Iran conflict. While some express fear for their families, others view the regime as anxious, believing the country’s future holds promise.

The initial strikes claimed the life of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but the assault shows no signs of slowing. “Each day has felt like a month,” Salar remarked, describing the overwhelming frequency of attacks. He recounted how a recent strike caused his house to shake and mentioned keeping windows open to prevent glass from shattering. “They’re scared of their own shadows,” said a 25-year-old student, highlighting the regime’s heightened security measures, which have led to frequent checkpoints throughout the city.

International media faces challenges in accessing Iran, with visa restrictions limiting their ability to report on the ongoing situation. Internet outages further complicate communication, forcing residents to stay indoors except for essential errands. “The city feels empty,” one individual noted, emphasizing the need for urgent reasons to leave home. “On the first day, people were chanting and everyone seemed happy. But now there are police forces everywhere.”

Salar described being threatened by security forces for speaking out against the regime. “Every day they send SMS messages warning that if we go outside, they will deal with us harshly,” he explained. One message even labeled protesters as “Israeli collaborators.” He believes the tone implies severe consequences for dissent, including potential fatalities. In Zanjan, another city under attack, Kaveh shared his experience. “Our city was heavily bombed in the first three days,” he said, adding that fighter jets frequently fly overhead, creating a constant haze of smoke from strike sites.

The economic toll has been severe, with prices of essentials like eggs and potatoes surging. Queues for petrol and bread have become unmanageable, according to reports. Kaveh also highlighted the struggle to stay connected with family and friends, as internet blackouts disrupted communication. His connection was severed on the first day of the attacks, leaving him concerned about both survival and maintaining contact with loved ones. As people continue to flee Tehran, some, like Salar’s friend, remain unable to leave due to caregiving responsibilities.