‘We’re sinking deeper’: Iranians brace for infrastructure strikes as Trump deadline nears
Iranians Prepare for Attacks Amid Trump’s Threat
As the deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump looms, Iranian citizens are expressing growing concern over potential strikes targeting critical infrastructure. Trump’s latest social media outburst, 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!!!” His promise to dismantle Iran’s power stations and bridges has sparked anxiety among ordinary people, even as government officials dismiss the threat as a display of frustration.
Public Sentiment Under Strain
Despite the internet blackout imposed by authorities more than five weeks ago, the BBC has managed to speak with several Iranians opposed to the current regime. Their identities have been concealed for safety, but their voices reveal a sense of helplessness. “It feels like we’re sinking deeper into a swamp,” said Kasra, a young man in Tehran. “What can we do as ordinary people? We can’t stop him. I keep imagining a scenario where, in a month, I’m with my family, no water, no electricity, and nothing left. 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.”
While state media showcases images of well-stocked grocery stores, some Iranians are quietly preparing for the worst. “My mum is filling every bottle she can find with water,” shared Mina, another resident of Tehran. “I’m not sure what we’ll do now. More and more people 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.”
Shift in Perceptions
Iranians initially saw U.S.-Israeli strikes as potential aid to their cause, but many now view attacks on energy infrastructure as a pivotal moment. “I’ve thanked Israel and the U.S. for almost everything they’ve hit so far,” said Arman, a 20-something from Karaj. “They must have had good reasons for them [targets]. But hitting a power station just paralyzes the country. It plays into the Islamic Republic’s hands. I live a kilometre away from Karaj’s main power station—hit it, and I’ll be in misery.”
“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.”
In January, when violent anti-regime protests erupted across Iran, Trump claimed “help is on its way” to demonstrators. Yet he did not act when security forces killed at least 6,508 protesters and arrested 53,000 others, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (Hrana). This inaction has deepened distrust, with many now seeing infrastructure strikes as a turning point.
Economic Worries and Daily Life
Radicalized by the ongoing conflict, some Iranians are willing to endure extreme measures if it means toppling the regime. “I’m okay with them hitting energy infrastructure, using an atomic bomb, or leveling Iran,” said Radin, a 20-something in Tehran. “If attacking targets brings down the Islamic Republic, I’m fine with that. Because if it survives, it’ll stay forever.”
“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.”
Meanwhile, economic uncertainty is weighing heavily on daily life. Bahman, a 20-something in Tehran, noted: “I think Trump is scared of what Iran will do. I’m certain the country will retaliate everywhere in the region.” For Bahman, a building superintendent engineer, the war has disrupted routines. “I don’t have a routine anymore. I can’t even go to work now because no one is building anything. Some smaller companies have already started laying off employees.”
For Jamshid, a 30-something restaurant owner in Tehran, the economic toll is visible. “My business isn’t the same as before [the war]. I’m not optimistic. I estimate I can hold this up for a month, maybe two, at most. The rent is breaking my back. It’s 200m tomans a month—about $1,270.” This cost is steep compared to the average monthly salary, which ranges between $200 and $300.
Most of those interviewed still pay high prices for internet access, relying on shared connections through Starlink systems. However, using or possessing Starlink in Iran carries a penalty of up to two years in prison, and authorities have reportedly intensified searches for users. The blackout has only deepened the sense of isolation, leaving many to ponder the future with dread.