‘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, Iranians are increasingly preparing for potential strikes on their critical infrastructure. The threat, outlined in a fiery social media post by Trump on Sunday, promises devastating attacks on power plants and bridges, with the goal of pressuring Iran into opening the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the gravity of the situation, Iranian authorities have downplayed the threat, dismissing it as a display of “desperation and anger” from Trump.
Public Response Amid Internet Blackout
Amid an ongoing internet blackout that has persisted for over five weeks, the BBC managed to connect with several Iranians who are critical of the current regime. Their identities have been concealed for safety, but their concerns are shared across the country. “It feels like we’re sinking deeper into a swamp,” said Kasra, a young man from Tehran. “What can we do as ordinary people? We can’t stop him. I imagine a scenario where, in a month, I’m with my family, but there’s no water, no electricity—nothing. And then someone just blows out the candle, and we go to sleep.”
“I’ve thanked Israel and the US for almost all of what they’ve hit so far,” said Arman, a 20-something from Karaj, west of Tehran. “They must have had good reasons for hitting those sites. But if they target a power station, it’ll be nothing but misery for me.” The attack on a Karaj bridge, which left 13 dead and nearly 100 injured, has heightened fears of broader strikes.
Economic Anxiety and Stockpiling
While state television broadcasts images of well-stocked grocery stores, some Iranians are quietly preparing for shortages. Mina, another resident of Tehran, shared that her mother had filled every available bottle with water. “I’ve no idea what we’re going to do now,” she said. “More and more people have realized that Trump doesn’t care about us. I hate him from the bottom of my heart, and I hate those who support him too.”
“My business isn’t the same as before,” noted Jamshid, a 30-something restaurateur in Tehran. “I’m not optimistic about the situation. I think I can hold out for a month, maybe two, but the rent is breaking my back. It’s 200m tomans a month—roughly $1,270, £960, or €1,100.” This cost is staggering compared to the average monthly salary, which hovers between $200 and $300.
Many of those interviewed are also grappling with the economic fallout. Bahman, a 20-something in Tehran, described how his routine has been disrupted. “I can’t even go to work now,” he said. “I’m a building superintendent engineer, and no one is building anything. Some smaller companies have already started laying off employees.”
Despite the internet restrictions, some Iranians are still accessing the web through Starlink satellite systems. However, using or owning such technology carries a penalty of up to two years in prison. Authorities have reportedly intensified searches for individuals with Starlink connections, highlighting the growing tension and uncertainty. As the deadline nears, the fear of further strikes looms large, with many hoping the attacks will weaken the Islamic Republic’s grip on power.
