‘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 deadline set by US President Donald Trump approaches, ordinary Iranians are preparing for potential strikes on their power plants and bridges. The threat, delivered in a fiery social media post, promised “Power Plant Day” and “Bridge Day” in the country by Tuesday, with Trump declaring it would be “nothing like it!!!”.
Iranian officials have dismissed the deadline as a display of “desperation and anger,” with a presidential aide criticizing it as “insults and nonsense.” Despite the internet blackout enforced by the regime for over five weeks, the BBC has managed to speak with several individuals opposed to the current government. Their identities are concealed to protect them from potential repercussions.
Personal fears and stockpiling
Kasra, a young man from Tehran, expressed growing anxiety: “It feels like we’re sinking deeper into a swamp. What can we do as ordinary people? We can’t stop him. I keep imagining a scenario where, in a month, I’m sitting with my family—no water, no electricity, nothing. And someone just blows out the candle, and we go to sleep.”
“My mum is filling every bottle she can find in the house with water,” said Mina, another Tehran resident. “I’ve no idea what we’re going to do now. I think more and more people in Iran have realized that Trump doesn’t care about them at all. I hate him from the bottom of my heart, and I hate those who support him too.”
While state television showcased footage of well-stocked shops, some Iranians are quietly stockpiling supplies, fearing disruptions to essential services. The war’s economic toll is also a major concern. Bahman, a Tehran-based engineer, shared how his work has been affected: “I don’t have a routine anymore. I can’t even go to work with the situation because no one is building anything right now. Some smaller companies have already started laying off employees.”
Reactions to US-Israeli strikes
Initially, some who spoke to the BBC viewed the US-Israeli attacks as the help promised during January’s protests. But their perspective has shifted. Arman, from Karaj, remarked: “I’ve thanked Israel and the US for almost all of what they’ve hit so far. They must have had good reasons for them [targets struck]. But hitting a power station just paralyzes the country. It plays into the Islamic Republic’s hands.”
“If they hit the biggest power station in Karaj, it’ll be nothing but misery for me,” said Arman, who lives near the facility. “I live about a kilometre away. I’m fine with all of these [attacks], or anything else they might have in mind. If attacking targets brings down the Islamic Republic, I’m fine with that. Because if it survives this war, it will stay forever.”
Iranian media reported 13 deaths and nearly 100 injuries after a bridge under construction in Karaj was bombed. Meanwhile, Jamshid, a restaurant owner in Tehran, described the economic strain: “My business is not the same as before. I’m not optimistic. I estimate I can hold this up for a month, maybe two, at most. The rent is breaking my back—200m tomans a month, which is about $1,270.”
For many, the cost of internet access remains high. Most rely on shared connections via Starlink systems, though using or possessing such technology carries a penalty of up to two years in prison. Authorities have reportedly intensified searches for those with the satellite networks. As the situation unfolds, the fear of further disruption lingers, with hopes that attacks might weaken the regime’s grip on the country.
