Tensions Soar in Tehran as Israeli Airstrikes Continue to Strike Fear Among Residents

As Israeli jets fly over Tehran, many residents are evacuating while others remain trapped in fear and uncertainty about their future.

Amidst a backdrop of escalating military action, the streets of Tehran vibrate with anxiety as Israeli airstrikes persist. Thousands are fleeing the Iranian capital, while many, like my sister who lives there, seek answers amidst the chaos. “What is going to happen? What should we do?” she urgently queries, aware of my role as a BBC journalist in London, yet feeling trapped by the uncertainty surrounding her.

The air raids that commenced last Thursday night have sent ripples of panic through the city. Israeli jets now seem to traverse the skies of Tehran unchallenged, evading largely ineffective anti-aircraft fire. My sister, from her vantage point on the upper floors of her high-rise apartment, watches the unfolding situation with dread.

Despite US President Trump’s suggestion for residents to evacuate the capital, some, like my sister, opt to stay, primarily because of the lack of viable options. She reasons that military targets are far from her neighborhood, but is uneasily aware of a nearby commercial unit that could potentially face an attack. The truth is many residents know little about their neighbors or the hidden military operations surrounding them.

The capital's economy is suffering; shops are shuttering, and everyday essentials are dwindling. Bakeries have closed either due to a lack of flour or the departure of their owners. Many who remain in Tehran find themselves confined, avoiding public spaces as fear of an attack looms large.

Roads that were once bustling with congestion are eerily quiet, as hundreds of thousands have chosen to flee. Although some of the traffic from the city's outskirts has eased recently and petrol lines thin, the underlying anxiety remains palpable among those left behind.

Nearby nuclear facilities, which have recently been targeted, add another layer of fear as residents worry about radiation exposure. Reports indicate the global nuclear watchdog has found no immediate threats, yet the uncertainty alone is crippling.

In a time when reliable information is crucial, many residents depend on Persian-language news channels broadcasting from abroad, with BBC Persian witnessing a surge in web traffic as locals seek critical updates amidst slow internet access.

While Trump calls for Iran’s capitulation, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei's firm stance against surrender stirs apprehension about what might follow. Though there might be dissent against the regime, a shared fear grips the nation: the potential spiral into chaos should the government destabilize significantly.