Tehran Residents Describe Escalating Strikes as War Enters Seventh Day

Residents of Tehran are reporting the heaviest wave of strikes on the Iranian capital since the start of the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran six days ago, according to accounts emerging despite a near-total internet blackout. The escalating strikes have sparked fear and desperation among civilians, who feel caught between the Iranian government and foreign forces.

Growing Fear and Civilian Impact

Tehranis describe a night of intense explosions and a growing sense of panic. Zahra, a teacher and mother in central Tehran, expressed deep worry for civilians, stating, “This is the first time since the war began that I am genuinely scared for my fellow Iranians. We are trapped between the regime that is killing us with machine guns, and a foreign power has likely decided that we are collateral damage.”

The initial hope that the strikes would weaken the Iranian government is fading, replaced by fear for their safety. Zahra added, “The initial joy of the regime’s leaders paying the price is soon turning into fear. Who will be left in free Iran if we all get killed?”

Distinguishing Sounds of War

Farzad, a 36-year-old who has fled Tehran, noted the increasing familiarity with the sounds of war. “We can now tell the difference between the sounds of fighter jets, air defence, and missiles. Sometimes we stand together and watch the trails of hypersonic missiles in the sky.” He expressed a sense of despair, stating, “If they don’t stop now, Tehran will turn into Gaza.”

A Tehran-based reporter in the eastern part of the city described being woken by violent explosions, stating, “I was asleep, and somehow over the past few days I got used to the sounds of explosions. But early this morning, the situation has turned really scary. The windows were shaking and I could hear people shouting.”

City Subdued and Partially Deserted

As of Friday, Tehran felt subdued and partially deserted, with only a handful of grocery shops open. Many families are attempting to leave the capital following the overnight strikes. One resident expressed a poignant hope: “I hope I don’t arrive back to ruins.”

Calls for Civilian Protection

Saeed, a Tehran University student, pleaded for consideration of civilian safety, asking, “Please use your voice to ask Mr Trump if there is a plan to keep us safe while they go after military targets, given that we are terrified that this morning’s strikes, which genuinely felt the heaviest since Saturday, must have killed so many people.”

A History of Conflict and a Sense of Futility

A former political prisoner in west Tehran highlighted a sense of historical inevitability, stating, “Since the 12-day war, people are stuck at a historical crossroads: on one side they are killed by their own government, and on the other side by the state of Israel.” She emphasized that the blame lies with the government that initiated the conflict.

Another resident noted a surprising level of acceptance among some, stating, “Now, it’s strange that because of the propaganda, most people consider that the more they bomb, the weaker this government will get. That’s their opinion.”

Operation Epic Fury and Scope of Strikes

The strikes are part of “Operation Epic Fury,” launched by the United States and Israel, which has targeted nearly 2,000 targets throughout Iran, including government and military sites, and Iran’s ballistic missile program, according to U.S. And Israeli militaries (ABC News). Over 1,250 targets were struck within the first 48 hours, with an additional 600 “terrorist infrastructures” attacked by the Israel Defense Forces (ABC News). The strikes have impacted over 130 cities in Iran (ABC News).

US Military Production Increase

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to “quadruple” production of precision-guided missiles, citing a “virtually unlimited supply” of munitions (DW). He has met with defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin and RTX, to increase production levels (DW).

Retaliation and Regional Impact

Iran has retaliated by firing missiles toward Israel and launching attacks on countries hosting U.S. Military bases, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates (NPR). Oil prices have surged to their highest level since September 2023 due to the conflict (NPR).