‘We’re sinking deeper’: Iranians brace for infrastructure strikes as Trump deadline nears

As the clock ticks toward a pivotal moment, Iranians are preparing for potential attacks on their critical infrastructure. US President Donald Trump has threatened to strike power plants and bridges in the country, aiming to pressure it into opening the Strait of Hormuz. His blunt declaration on social media, “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!!”, has ignited concern among citizens. However, Iranian officials have dismissed his 20:00 ET deadline as a desperate move, with a presidential aide labeling his remarks as “insults and nonsense” stemming from “sheer desperation and anger.”

BBC reporters have interviewed several Iranians, all aligned against the current regime, despite the challenges posed by an internet blackout enforced by authorities over five weeks ago. To avoid detection, their identities have been concealed. Kasra, a 20-something resident of Tehran, described the growing crisis: “It feels like we’re sinking deeper into a swamp. What can we do as ordinary people? We can’t stop him [Trump]. I keep imagining a scenario where, in a month, I’m sitting with my family with no water, no electricity, nothing. And someone blows out the candle and we go to sleep.”

“My mum is filling every bottle she can find in the house with water,” said Mina, a 20-something from Tehran. “I’ve no idea what we’re going to do now. I think more and more in Iran have realized that Trump doesn’t care about them at all. I hate him from the bottom of my heart, and hate those who support him too.”

In January, when violent anti-government protests erupted nationwide, Trump promised “help is on its way” to demonstrators. Yet, he remained silent as security forces executed a brutal crackdown, resulting in the deaths of at least 6,508 protesters and the arrest of 53,000 others, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (Hrana). Initially, some interviewed by the BBC viewed the US-Israeli strikes as a form of support. However, the focus on energy infrastructure has shifted their perspective. “I’ve thanked Israel and the US for almost all of what they’ve hit so far,” stated Arman, a 20-something from Karaj. “They must have had good reasons for them [targets]. But I swear, hitting a power station just paralyzes the country. It plays into the Islamic Republic’s hands.”

Radin, a 20-something in Tehran, echoed similar sentiments: “About them hitting energy infrastructure, using an atomic bomb, or leveling Iran. My honest reaction is that I’m OK with all of these. Or anything else they might have in mind. If attacking targets in the country brings down the Islamic Republic, I’m fine with that. Because if the Islamic Republic survives this war, it will stay forever.”

Many of those contacted by the BBC are worried about the economic fallout. Bahman, a 20-something in Tehran, shared his concerns: “I think Trump is scared of what Iran is going to do. I’m sure that Iran will hit everywhere in the region in retaliation.” His routine has been disrupted, as he works as a building superintendent engineer. “No-one is building anything right now,” he said. “Some smaller companies have already started laying off employees.”

For Jamshid, a 30-something restaurant owner in Tehran, the war has altered his livelihood. “My business is not the same as before [the war],” he explained. “I’m not optimistic about the situation. I estimate that I can hold this up for a month, maybe two, at most. The rent is breaking my back. It’s 200m tomans a month [approx. $1,270; £960; €1,100].”

While state media showcases well-stocked grocery shops, some Iranians are stockpiling supplies, fearing disruptions to essential services. The internet blackout has forced many to rely on satellite connections via Starlink systems, though using or possessing them in Iran carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison. Authorities have reportedly intensified searches for those utilizing the technology.