‘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 US President Donald Trump’s promise to dismantle Iran’s power stations and bridges approaches, citizens across the country are preparing for potential disruptions. His social media declaration on Sunday, filled with strong language, warned that “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!!” has sparked a mix of concern and defiance among the populace.
Iranian officials have dismissed the 20:00 ET (01:00 BST Wednesday) deadline as a sign of Trump’s frustration, with a presidential aide describing his remarks as “insults and nonsense” stemming from “sheer desperation and anger.” Despite the government’s efforts to isolate the public through a prolonged internet blackout, the BBC has managed to connect with several individuals critical of the current regime, though their identities remain concealed for safety.
Public Fears and Stockpiling
Kasra, a 20-something from Tehran, expressed a sense of impending despair: “It feels like we’re sinking deeper into a swamp. What can we do as ordinary people? We can’t stop him [Trump].” He envisioned a bleak scenario where, within a month, his family would face darkness and silence, with “someone blowing out the candle and us going to sleep.”
“I’ve thanked Israel and the US for almost all of what they’ve hit so far,” said Arman, a young man from Karaj. “They must have had good reasons for them [sites which have been hit]. But I swear, hitting a power station just paralyses the country. It plays into the Islamic Republic’s hands.”
Mina, also in her 20s and from Tehran, shared similar fears, noting her mother’s frantic efforts to fill every water bottle in their home. “I’ve no idea what we’re going to do now. More and more people have realized Trump doesn’t care about them at all,” she added, expressing deep animosity toward both the leader and his supporters.
Retaliation and Economic Strain
During January’s protests, Trump had pledged support to demonstrators, yet he remained silent as security forces intensified their crackdown, resulting in the deaths of over 6,508 individuals and the arrest of 53,000 others. Some Iranians initially believed these strikes were the promised aid, but many now view attacks on energy systems as a critical threat.
“If attacking targets in the country brings down the Islamic Republic, I’m fine with that,” said Radin, a 20-something in Tehran. “Because if the Islamic Republic survives this war, it will stay forever.”
Bahman, a Tehran resident, speculated that Trump’s actions might be driven by fear of Iran’s retaliatory measures. “I think Trump is scared of what Iran is going to do. I’m sure that Iran will hit everywhere in the region in response,” he said. Meanwhile, Jamshid, a restaurant owner in Tehran, described his business as “not the same as before,” estimating he could sustain operations for only a month or two before the financial pressure becomes insurmountable.
Amid these challenges, internet access remains a struggle. Most rely on shared connections via satellite systems like Starlink, though using such technology in Iran carries a penalty of up to two years in prison. Authorities have reportedly intensified searches for individuals with Starlink devices, underscoring the tension between connectivity and control in the nation.
