‘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
Trump’s Threat and the Deadline
Iranians are preparing for potential strikes on critical infrastructure as U.S. President Donald Trump approaches a self-imposed deadline. His recent social media post, filled with expletives, warned that “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!!.” This declaration has sparked concern among ordinary citizens, many of whom feel powerless against the escalating crisis.
Iranian Officials’ Response
Iranian officials have dismissed Trump’s threat as a sign of “sheer desperation and anger,” according to a presidential aide. The deadline, set for 20:00 ET (01:00 BST Wednesday), has been met with skepticism, with critics accusing the administration of using hyperbole to justify military action.
Voices from the Ground
The BBC has spoken with several Iranians who oppose the current regime, despite the internet blackout imposed by authorities over five weeks ago. Their identities remain hidden for safety. Kasra, a young Tehran resident, described the situation as a “deepening descent into chaos,” fearing a future where his family faces “no water, no electricity, nothing” after an infrastructure strike.
“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 highlights stocked grocery stores, some citizens report hoarding essentials, worried about disruptions to water supplies. Mina, another Tehran resident, explained her mother’s actions: “My mum is filling every bottle she can find in the house with water.” She expressed frustration, stating, “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.”
Reactions to Past Promises
Initially, some Iranians viewed U.S.-Israeli strikes as the “help” Trump had pledged during January’s protests. However, most now see attacks on energy infrastructure as a critical turning point. 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 paralyzes 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, voiced support for further attacks: “About them hitting energy infrastructure, using an atomic bomb, or levelling Iran. My honest reaction is that I’m OK with all of these.” He added, “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 Concerns and Internet Struggles
Many citizens are also anxious about the economic fallout. Bahman, a Tehran resident, speculated that Trump’s actions might be “scared of what Iran is going to do,” predicting retaliatory strikes across the region. “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, a restaurant owner in Tehran, shared his business struggles: “My business is not the same as before [the war]. I’m not optimistic about the situation. I estimate that I can hold this up for a month, maybe two, at most. The rent is breaking my back. It’s 200m tomans a month [approx. $1,270; £960; €1,100].”
Despite the economic strain, access to the internet remains costly. Most rely on shared connections via Starlink systems, though using or owning such technology in Iran risks up to two years in prison. Authorities have reportedly intensified searches for individuals with the equipment.