Life Under Israeli Attacks: Iranians Share Their Struggles and the Search for Safety

“Stuck.” That’s how many people in Iran describe life right now. A resident in Tehran told BBC News Persian that, after days of Israeli attacks, “everyone is trying to escape.”

Long lines formed at gas stations as people rushed to leave the city. Traffic was so heavy that many couldn’t even get out of the province. “Tehran isn’t safe,” a local shared. “We hear blasts and just hope we aren’t hit. But where can we go? Nothing feels safe.”

One person who moved to another province said, “I can’t believe I’m in a war zone. I don’t know how to process this.” Another added, “This isn’t my war. I just want to ensure my family’s safety.”

Since Friday, Israel has conducted one of its largest airstrikes against Iran in years. In retaliation, Iran has launched missiles at Israel. Reports indicate at least ten people died in Israel and 128 in Iran from the strikes.

An Iranian woman expressed her sleepless nights, saying the current chaos reminds her of the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. “Back then, we had warnings before attacks. Now, there are none.” Younger generations, born after the war, don’t know this kind of fear, lamented BBC News Persian’s Ghoncheh Habibiazad.

One Tehran resident considered escaping to a smaller city, but family ties bind her. “We all want to get away, but each of us has loved ones who can’t leave,” she said. “It’s unfair what we’re experiencing.”

Many are coping with fear, exhaustion, and stress. Another resident pointed out, “I can’t just leave my elderly parents behind, and I still have to work. What can I do?”

Connecting with loved ones has become a challenge due to unstable internet. Those outside Iran are worried and waiting for replies from family. Recently, the Israeli military warned Iranians to avoid military sites. One local questioned, “How do we even know where those sites are?”

In a message to Iranians, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged unity for freedom. However, there’s little sign that this message is gaining traction among the people, according to BBC News Persian’s Daryoush Karimi.

The most shocking part for many has been the destruction of homes, surpassing even attacks on military targets. Scenes of devastation in the capital are reminiscent of the past conflicts many thought were behind them.

As fear looms, residents are left bewildered. They are grappling with uncertainty about what’s happening, how far it spreads, and how to keep their families safe.

This situation reflects how quickly a sense of security can vanish when conflict arises. Understanding the emotional landscape of those affected, both in Iran and among expatriates, is fundamental for grasping the depth of this crisis.



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