‘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
Iranians are reacting to Donald Trump’s warning to target the country’s power plants and bridges if it does not open the Strait of Hormuz. The former U.S. president vowed to strike power plants and bridges on Tuesday, merging both targets into a single, devastating blow. Despite the internet blackout imposed by authorities over five weeks ago, the BBC has managed to speak with several Iranians, all critical of the current regime, though their names have been altered for safety.
Trump’s threat, expressed in a heated social media post, has sparked frustration among Iranian officials. A presidential aide dismissed the 20:00 ET (01:00 BST Wednesday) deadline as “insults and nonsense” from a place of “sheer desperation and anger.” Yet, ordinary citizens have grown increasingly anxious. Kasra, a young man in Tehran, described the situation as “descending into chaos, with no clear way out.” He feared that if the attacks proceed, his family might face a bleak future 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 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 showcased videos of well-stocked shops, whispers of panic spread. Mina, a Tehran resident, recounted how her mother “filled every bottle she could find in the house with water,” expressing worry about potential disruptions. She added, “I’ve no idea what we’re going to do now. I think 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.”
Back in January, Trump had promised aid to protesters during nationwide anti-government demonstrations. However, he remained silent as Iranian security forces killed at least 6,508 demonstrators and arrested 53,000 others, according to Hrana. Some initially viewed the U.S.-Israel strikes as the promised assistance, but most now see attacks on energy infrastructure as a critical turning point. Arman, a Karaj resident, stated, “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 hit]. But I swear, hitting a power station just paralyzes the country. It just plays into the Islamic Republic’s hands.”
“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.”
The economic fallout has further strained daily life. Bahman, a Tehran-based building superintendent, noted, “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, as “no-one is building anything right now,” and some small companies have already begun layoffs. Jamshid, a restaurant owner in Tehran, lamented, “His business has been significantly affected, and he doubts it will survive beyond a month or two, given the financial strain.”
“The rent is breaking my back. It’s 200m tomans a month [approx. $1,270; £960; €1,100]. That is high compared to the average monthly salary, which is estimated to be between $200 and $300.”
Internet access remains a challenge, with most relying on shared satellite connections via Starlink systems. However, using or owning such devices in Iran carries a penalty of up to two years in prison, and authorities have reportedly intensified searches for Starlink users in recent weeks.