‘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
As the countdown to Donald Trump’s ultimatum approaches, Iranians are bracing for potential attacks on critical infrastructure. The U.S. president’s aggressive social media post warned of a “Tuesday of Power Plant Day and Bridge Day” in Iran, threatening to cripple the nation’s energy and transportation networks unless the Strait of Hormuz was opened. Despite the internet blackout imposed by Iranian authorities over five weeks, the BBC managed to speak with several individuals critical of the current regime, though their identities remain hidden for safety.
Iranian officials dismissed Trump’s deadline as a display of frustration and rage, with a presidential aide calling his rhetoric “sheer desperation.” Meanwhile, ordinary citizens express growing unease. Kasra, a 20-something in Tehran, described the situation as
“It feels like we’re descending further into crisis. What can we do as everyday people? We can’t stop him. I keep imagining a month from now, sitting with my family in darkness, no water, no electricity, and someone extinguishing the last candle before we sleep.”
While state television showcased well-stocked stores, whispers of panic spread. Mina, another young Tehran resident, shared
“My mum is filling every available bottle with water. I’m unsure what we’ll do if supplies run out. More and more people have realized Trump doesn’t care about us. I hate him, and I despise those who back him.”
The threat has shifted from initial optimism to fear. Some who initially saw U.S.-Israeli strikes as a lifeline for protesters now view attacks on energy systems as a breaking point. Arman, a 20-something from Karaj, admitted
“I’ve thanked Israel and the U.S. for almost everything they’ve targeted. They must have had reasons, but hitting a power station would grind the country to a halt. I live near the largest station in Karaj—destroying it would mean disaster for me.”
Iranian media reported 13 deaths and nearly 100 injuries after a bridge under construction in Karaj was bombed. The strike highlights the stakes:
“I’m okay with all of this—whether they use atomic bombs or level the country. If attacking these targets brings down the Islamic Republic, I’m fine with that. Because if it survives, it will endure forever.”
said Radin, a 20-something in Tehran.
Concerns over economic fallout are intensifying. Bahman, a 20-something in Tehran, noted
“I think Trump fears what Iran will do in response. I’m certain they’ll strike back across the region. My life has no routine anymore—no one is building anything, and I can’t even go to work.”
For Jamshid, a restaurant owner in Tehran, the war has already taken a toll. He said
“My business is not the same as before. I’m not optimistic. I can keep this going for a month, maybe two, but the rent is crushing me. It’s 200 million tomans monthly—roughly $1,270.”
This figure is higher than the average monthly salary, which hovers between $200 and $300.
Access to the internet remains scarce, with most relying on shared connections through Starlink systems. However, using or owning such equipment in Iran can result in up to two years in prison. Authorities have been actively searching for those with the technology, underscoring the urgency of the situation as Trump’s deadline looms closer.
