Fear Swirls as Iran Faces New Threats

The streets of Iran have turned into long queues at gas stations as residents flee city centers, seeking safety after a joint strike by the United States and Israel. Early Saturday morning, explosions shook Tehran, sending smoke clouds into the sky and rattling the start of a working week.

A City in Turmoil

Tehran: A man hurried to pick up his children from school, describing the chaos that unfolded.
Tabriz: A mother of two voiced her terror: “My kids are shaking, we have nowhere to go, we will die here.” Her grief echoed across many towns where blasts were heard.
National Security Council: Warned that attacks might continue in Tehran and other cities, urging people to relocate if possible. Schools and universities were shut down pending further instructions.

Context of the Assault

The attack follows a recent violent crackdown that killed thousands during nationwide protests.
It comes eight months after the 12‑day war with Israel, in which U.S. forces bombed Iranian nuclear sites.
President Trump claimed the operation would eliminate a threat to the United States and give Iranians a chance to overthrow their leaders.
The Pentagon labeled the strikes “Operation Epic Fury.”

Public Opinion

Region	Resident’s View
Yazd	“Let them bomb.” – hopeful that bombings would topple the clerical regime.
Rasht	Frustrated with the government but fears foreign attacks would turn Iran into a chaotic Iraq, reminiscent of post‑invasion turmoil.
Tehran	“People are shocked, scared. What is going to happen to us? Save us please.”

Security Measures

Roads near Tehran’s political heart, including the offices of the Supreme Leader and Parliament, were sealed.
Security forces increased presence to curb further attacks.

Economic Impact

Residents rushed to buy hard currency.
ATMs in Isfahan failed to dispense cash, prompting families to move toward border towns.

Personal Stories

A man from Ilam quietly spoke about leaving town with his family, hoping for safety.
Another planned to cross into Turkey and fly to Istanbul if borders opened.

The Bigger Picture

The attacks followed a stalled U.S.–Iran nuclear negotiation in Geneva, with Omani mediators reporting progress that many felt was deceptive. “They said the nuclear talks are going well. They fooled us again,” a Tehran resident remarked.

The country remains on edge as uncertainty about its future grows, with citizens grappling with fear and the hope for a safer tomorrow.