‘I just want to be able to sleep’: Attacks in Iran rock cities and cut power

‘I just want to be able to sleep’: Attacks in Iran rock cities and cut power

Residents in Iran have shared with BBC Persian their exhaustion and frustration after nearly two weeks of relentless Israeli and US strikes, which have disrupted daily life and left many struggling to find rest. The cities of Tehran and Karaj have been subjected to frequent explosions, with some describing nights spent in “total darkness” or facing power fluctuations that make stability elusive.

“The electricity went out and I had no idea what was happening,” said a man in his 30s from Tehran, recounting the chaos of a night without lights. “They hit hard last night. All you can see in our house are cracks in the walls. Sleeping has become the hardest thing for me.”

Meanwhile, a woman in her 20s from Tehran described a strange white light in the sky, noting that the explosions felt different from previous nights. “I’m very sad about what has happened to the city, but I hope it ends well for the people of Iran,” she said, expressing both despair and cautious optimism.

The Israeli military confirmed a “broad wave of strikes” targeting terror infrastructure in Tehran on Monday, followed by another round of attacks on Tuesday. These strikes aimed at Revolutionary Guards facilities, including a weapons research complex and the Quds Force’s main headquarters. The conflict began on 28 February, when a joint Israeli-US operation targeted Iran, sparking retaliatory missile and drone strikes from the country.

“We’re still alive,” said a man in his 20s in Tehran, “but where missiles hit is getting closer and closer every day.” Another resident, also in his 20s, added, “I just want this to end once and for all.”

Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRANA) reported over 1,761 deaths since the war began, including 1,245 civilians and 194 children. While access to Iran for journalists is limited, BBC Persian has gathered accounts from residents, who remain anonymous to protect their safety. Power outages in Tehran have lasted up to 30 minutes, with some experiencing intermittent fluctuations.

In Karaj, a city 30 km west of Tehran, a man in his 30s described seeing a “blue light” in the sky during an attack. “I would tolerate this situation as long as the regime is gone,” he said, echoing sentiments from others who view the conflict as a fight for change. A mother and restaurateur in her 50s from Karaj recounted a strike near her home, saying, “the closest place to us, and we truly felt the shadow of death over our heads.” Yet she remained resolute: “Even if we are killed, it honestly does not matter compared to the lives already lost in the hope of victory.”

Not all residents share the same resolve. A man in his 20s from Karaj expressed growing weariness, calling the war “overwhelming” and describing “frightening scenarios” for the future. Some, like a Tehran resident who was injured during anti-government protests in December and January, linked the current turmoil to long-standing grievances. “I’ve been shot in the eye,” he said, “and now the missiles are coming closer every day.”

With internet connectivity severely restricted, independent verification of events inside Iran is challenging. Despite this, the voices of those affected continue to emerge, revealing a mix of resilience, fear, and a shared desire for an end to the ongoing violence.