Tehran residents are living in constant anxiety as the fighting, which has been going on for more than a month, intensifies and threats of attacks on civilian infrastructure increase. Many families have begun taking protective measures, taping windows shut and taking shelter in rooms away from glass to escape the blasts. Others are buying generators and emergency supplies, fearing that the attacks could cut off electricity and water supplies.

The situation has become even more tense after statements by Donald Trump, who warned that he could order attacks on bridges and power plants in Iran if US demands are not met. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, he stated that the damage caused could take the country up to 20 years to recover. However, contrary to claims that the population might support the attacks to gain freedom, many Iranians say they are afraid and tired of the war. “We have been punished enough,” said a woman being treated for cancer in the capital, worried about the impact the attacks could have on the health system.

Residents report shelling almost every night, while several areas near security facilities, including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps compounds, have been directly hit. The explosions have damaged residential buildings and endangered the lives of civilians, often bystanders. Meanwhile, many citizens have prepared emergency bags with food, water and lighting equipment, even thinking about leaving the city in case the situation worsens.

The war has left Iran in a deep economic crisis, with high inflation and widespread discontent with the government. However, many citizens fear that escalating the conflict could lead to even more serious consequences, including the destruction of the country or the further strengthening of the regime. Due to internet restrictions, many Iranians have limited information about the real developments of the war, while those who manage to connect via VPNs describe a reality filled with explosions, uncertainty and daily fear.