Life in Iran is currently defined by a sense of being “stuck,” according to numerous individuals who spoke wiht international media outlets. Following three days of Israeli attacks, a resident of Tehran told news sources that “everyone is trying to escape” the city “one way or another.”

On Sunday,long lines formed at petrol stations throughout the city as residents attempted to flee to remote areas,away from potential Israeli targets. However, heavy traffic prevented many from even leaving the province.

“tehran isn’t safe, clearly,” one resident stated. “We get no alarms or warnings from officials about Israeli attacks. We just hear the blasts and hope our place isn’t hit. But where can we go? Nowhere feels safe.”

One person who managed to relocate from Tehran to another province shared, “I don’t think I’ve fully processed that I’m living in an active war zone, and I’m not sure when I’ll reach acceptance.” They added, “This is not my war. I’m not rooting for either side, I just want to survive along with my family.”

Since Friday, Israel has launched its most important wave of air strikes on iran in years, prompting retaliatory missile attacks from Iran on Israel.

Authorities report that at least 19 people have been killed in Israel as Friday. Meanwhile,Iran’s health ministry stated on Sunday that Israeli strikes have resulted in 224 deaths across the country since Friday.

An Iranian woman recounted to news outlets that she has been unable to sleep for two nights, saying: “I’ve gone through really tough situations.” She added that the current situation evokes memories of bombings and seeking shelter during the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, when she was a child.

“The difference is that back then, at least when an attack happened, we heard the air raid siren or at least warnings before it happened.But now, during this bombing or any air raid, there’s no sirens or warnings.”

News sources report that younger generations, born after the war, lack firsthand experience of such conflicts. A woman in Tehran expressed her consideration of leaving the city to escape the attacks, stating, “we’ve all wanted to go to smaller cities or villages, anywhere we can go, but each of us has loved ones who can’t leave, and we’re thinking of them,” she said. “What we’re experiencing is not fair to any of us, the people of Iran.”

“We’re all trying to get through these days in fear, exhaustion, and a lot of stress, this is extremely hard and painful.”

Another resident in the capital said: “I can’t just leave Tehran. I can’t leave my elderly parents who can’t travel far and long and leave the city myself. Besides, I need to show up to work. What can I do now?”

Communication Breakdown and Military Warnings

“Tehran isn’t safe,clearly…But where can we go? Nowhere feels safe.”

Unstable internet connectivity has made it difficult to maintain contact with people within Iran. Many Iranians living abroad are sending messages to loved ones, hoping for a response.

The Israel military has issued warnings, urging all Iranians to evacuate areas near military sites, causing particular concern among residents of tehran. “How are we supposed to know where a military site is and where isn’t?” one resident questioned.

Separately, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Iranians, stating: “The time has come” for Iranians to unite “by standing up for your freedom”. However, news outlets indicate that there is little evidence that Netanyahu’s call has resonated within the country, as people prioritize their safety.

echoes of the Past

Reports indicate that the destruction of residential buildings has deeply affected Iranians, perhaps even more so than attacks on nuclear facilities and airbases. Many Iranians have not witnessed such scenes since the Iran-Iraq war, especially in the capital.

Many in Tehran and elsewhere recall the confusion of recent events: what exactly was happening; how widespread was it; and how could they protect themselves and their families?