‘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 are preparing for the consequences of US President Donald Trump’s warning to target the nation’s power plants and bridges if Iran does not open the Strait of Hormuz. The threat, delivered in a fiery social media post on Sunday, declared that “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!!”
Iranian officials have dismissed Trump’s 20:00 ET (01:00 BST Wednesday) deadline, with a presidential aide accusing the leader of “sheer desperation and anger” behind his insults and rhetoric. Despite the internet blackout enforced by the government for over five weeks, the BBC has managed to connect with several Iranians opposed to the current regime. Their identities have been concealed for safety.
Personal fears of collapse
“It feels like we’re sinking deeper into a swamp. What can we do as ordinary people? We can’t do anything. We can’t stop him [Trump]. I keep thinking about 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.”
Kasra, a Tehran resident in his 20s, voiced his anxieties about the potential collapse of essential services.
“My mum is filling every bottle she can find in the house with water. I’ve no idea what we’re going to do now. I think more and more in Iran have realised 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.”
Mina, another Tehran-based individual in her 20s, shared her family’s preparation for possible shortages.
“I’ve thanked Israel and the US for almost all of what they’ve hit so far,” said Arman, a Karaj resident in his 20s. “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 just plays into the Islamic Republic’s hands.”
Arman described the strategic impact of targeting energy facilities, emphasizing their role in the regime’s stability.
“About them hitting energy infrastructure, using an atomic bomb, or levelling 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.”
Radin, a Tehran resident in his 20s, expressed willingness to accept severe measures if they weaken the government.
Economic strain and uncertainty
Bahman, a Tehran-based individual in his 20s, highlighted concerns over the war’s economic toll. “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.” The disruption has already affected daily routines, with Bahman noting that his work as a building superintendent engineer has come to a standstill.
Meanwhile, Jamshid, a restaurant owner in his 30s, observed the toll on small businesses. “My business is not the same as before [the war]. 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].” This figure exceeds the average monthly salary, estimated between $200 and $300.
Many of those interviewed still rely on satellite internet systems like Starlink to access the web. However, using or possessing such systems in Iran risks up to two years in prison, with authorities reportedly intensifying searches for those suspected of circumventing the internet blackout.
