‘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 U.S. President Donald Trump for Iran’s actions approaches, many Iranians are preparing for potential strikes on critical infrastructure. Trump’s recent social media post, filled with strong language, declared that “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!!”
Iranian officials have dismissed Trump’s threat as an overreaction, with a presidential aide calling it “insults and nonsense” born from “sheer desperation and anger.” Despite the internet blackout imposed by authorities more than five weeks ago, the BBC has managed to connect with several Iranians who oppose the current regime. Their identities are concealed for safety.
Personal fears and stockpiling
Kasra, a young man in Tehran, described the looming threat as “sinking deeper into a swamp.” He expressed concern that a month from now, his family could face a crisis with “no water, no electricity, nothing” and “someone blows out the candle and we go to sleep.”
“It feels like we’re sinking deeper into a swamp. What can we do as ordinary people? We can’t do anything. We can’t stop him [Trump]. I keep thinking about a scenario where, in a month, I’m sitting with my family with no water, no electricity, nothing. And someone blows out the candle and we go to sleep.”
Meanwhile, Mina, another Tehran resident, mentioned her mother filling every available bottle with water. “I’ve no idea what we’re going to do now,” she said. “More and more in Iran have realized that Trump doesn’t care about them at all. I hate him from the bottom of my heart, and hate those who support him too.”
Shift in perception
Though some initially viewed U.S.-Israeli strikes as the help promised during January’s anti-establishment protests, most now see attacks on energy infrastructure as a major threat. Arman, a Karaj-based engineer, admitted, “I’ve thanked Israel and the U.S. for almost all of what they’ve hit so far.”
“They must have had good reasons for them [sites which have been hit]. But I swear, hitting a power station just paralyses the country. It just plays into the Islamic Republic’s hands. I live about a kilometre away from the biggest power station in Karaj, and if they hit it, it’ll be nothing but misery for me.”
Radin, a Tehran-based individual, stated, “About them hitting energy infrastructure, using an atomic bomb, or levelling Iran. My honest reaction is that I’m OK with all of these. Or anything else they might have in mind. If attacking targets in the country brings down the Islamic Republic, I’m fine with that. Because if the Islamic Republic survives this war, it will stay forever.”
Economic strain
Bahman, a Tehran resident, shared his worries about the economic fallout. “I think Trump is scared of what Iran is going to do. I’m sure that Iran will hit everywhere in the region in retaliation.” His routine has been disrupted, and he struggles to continue his work as a building superintendent engineer.
“When it comes to me, I don’t have a routine anymore, and I can’t even go to work with the situation because I’m a building superintendent engineer and no-one is building anything right now. Some smaller companies have started to lay off their employees already.”
Jamshid, who runs a restaurant in Tehran, noted that his business has “not the same as before [the war].” He estimated he could hold out for a month, maybe two, but warned, “The rent is breaking my back. It’s 200m tomans a month [approx. $1,270; £960; €1,100].”
Many respondents still pay high prices for internet access, relying on shared connections through Starlink systems. However, using Starlink in Iran risks up to two years in prison, as authorities continue searches for those with the technology. The ongoing uncertainty and attacks have deepened public anxiety, with fears of a prolonged economic crisis and further destabilization.
