‘We’re sinking deeper’: Iranians brace for infrastructure strikes as Trump deadline nears

‘We’re sinking deeper’: Iranians brace for infrastructure strikes as Trump deadline nears

As the countdown to a potential US attack on Iran’s energy infrastructure accelerates, citizens across the country are bracing for the consequences of Donald Trump’s aggressive rhetoric. The president’s vow to target power plants and bridges by Tuesday has sparked widespread anxiety, with many ordinary Iranians feeling powerless against the looming threat.

Iranian Officials Dismiss Trump’s Threats

Iranian officials have ridiculed Trump’s timeline, calling his outbursts a sign of “desperation and anger.” A presidential aide remarked that the leader’s “insults and nonsense” are a desperate attempt to sway public opinion. Despite this, the BBC has managed to connect with several Iranians—individuals critical of the current regime—through cautious outreach, as an internet blackout has restricted communication for over five weeks.

“It feels like we’re plunging deeper into chaos. What can we do as ordinary people? We can’t stop him. I keep imagining a month from now, sitting with my family in the dark, no water, nothing. And someone blows out the candle, and we go to sleep,” said Kasra, a 20-something resident of Tehran.

While state television showcases well-stocked stores, whispers of panic suggest some citizens are hoarding essentials. Mina, another Tehranite in her 20s, shared her concern: “My mum is filling every bottle she can find with water. I don’t know what we’ll do now. More and more people in Iran have realized Trump doesn’t care about us at all.”

Hope Turned to Frustration

Earlier in the year, when anti-government protests erupted, Trump had promised support. Yet he remained silent as security forces crushed the demonstrations, killing over 6,508 protesters and arresting 53,000, according to Hrana, a US-based rights group. Some who initially saw the strikes as a form of aid now view them as a critical blow to Iran’s stability.

“I’ve thanked Israel and the US for almost everything they’ve hit so far,” said Arman, a 20-something from Karaj. “They must have had good reasons, but hitting a power station just paralyzes the country. If they attack it, I’ll be living in misery.”

Radin, a Tehran-based resident in his 20s, echoed similar sentiments: “I’m okay with them bombing energy sites, using atomic weapons, or even leveling Iran. If attacking targets brings down the Islamic Republic, I’m fine with that. Because if it survives this war, it will endure forever.”

Disruption and Economic Strain

Many citizens are now focused on the economic fallout. Bahman, a 20-something in Tehran, noted: “Trump is scared of what Iran might do in response. I’m certain they’ll strike back everywhere in the region.”

For Jamshid, a 30-something restaurant owner, the war has already disrupted daily life. “My business is not the same as before. I’m not optimistic. I think I can hold out for a month, maybe two, at most. The rent is breaking my back—200m tomans a month,” he said. That figure is more than double the average monthly salary, which hovers between $200 and $300.

With limited internet access, most rely on shared connections via Starlink systems. However, using or owning such equipment in Iran can lead to up to two years in prison. Authorities have intensified searches for individuals suspected of accessing the service, further complicating efforts to stay informed.