‘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

Iranians across the board are reacting to President Trump’s vow to target the country’s power plants and bridges if it does not open the Strait of Hormuz. His aggressive statement, laced with expletives, promised a dramatic strike on Tuesday, combining both energy and infrastructure attacks in one fell swoop. Despite the threat, Iranian officials have dismissed the deadline as a sign of desperation, with a presidential aide describing it as “insults and nonsense” from a leader overwhelmed by frustration.

The BBC has managed to speak with several Iranians, all critical of the current regime, though communication within the country remains challenging due to an ongoing internet blackout enforced by authorities for over five weeks. To avoid detection, these individuals have shared their stories under pseudonyms. Kasra, a young man in Tehran, expressed deep concern:

“It feels like we’re sinking deeper into a swamp. As a regular citizen, I don’t know what we can do. We can’t stop him. I keep imagining a scenario where, in a month, I’m with my family without water, electricity, or anything else. Someone just blows out the candle, and we go to sleep.”

While state media showcases stocked shelves, some Iranians are preparing for potential shortages, hoarding essentials out of fear that even water supplies might be affected. Mina, another Tehran resident, shared her anxiety:

“My mum is filling every bottle in the house with water. I’m not sure what we’ll do now. I think more people are realizing that Trump doesn’t care about them. I hate him from the bottom of my heart, and I despise those who back him.”

Earlier in January, Trump had pledged support for anti-government protests that swept the nation. However, he did not act when security forces carried out a brutal crackdown, killing at least 6,508 demonstrators and arresting 53,000 others, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. Some initially believed these strikes were the help they had hoped for, but most now see attacks on energy infrastructure as a critical turning point. Arman, from Karaj, said:

“I’ve thanked Israel and the US for almost everything they’ve hit so far. They must have had good reasons. But hitting a power station just paralyzes the country. It plays into the Islamic Republic’s hands. If they destroy the main power station near me, it’ll be misery.”

Others, like Radin in Tehran, have grown more resolute:

“I’m okay with them bombing energy sites, using an atomic bomb, or even leveling Iran. If attacking targets brings down the Islamic Republic, I’m fine with that. Because if it survives, it’ll stay forever.”

Economic fears are also growing. Bahman, a building superintendent engineer in Tehran, explained:

“I think Trump is scared of what Iran might do in retaliation. I don’t have a routine anymore, and I can’t even go to work. No one is building anything now. Some small companies have already started laying off staff.”

Meanwhile, Jamshid, who runs a restaurant in Tehran, described his business as “not the same as before.”

“I’m not optimistic. I estimate I can keep this going for a month, maybe two. The rent is breaking my back—200 million tomans a month, which is more than the average salary of $200 to $300.”

Most people still rely on satellite internet systems like Starlink to stay connected, though using such technology risks up to two years in prison. Authorities have reportedly intensified searches for users, further complicating efforts to access information. As the deadline approaches, uncertainty looms over the impact of these strikes on daily life and the country’s stability.