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

‘We’re being dragged further into crisis’: Iranians brace for infrastructure strikes as Trump deadline nears

As the deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump approaches, ordinary Iranians are bracing for potential strikes on key infrastructure, including power stations and bridges, in response to his promise of retaliation unless Iran opens the Strait of Hormuz. Trump’s social media post on Sunday, filled with strong language, warned 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 dismiss Trump’s threats as desperation

Iranian government representatives have downplayed Trump’s 20:00 ET (01:00 BST Wednesday) deadline, with a presidential aide calling his rhetoric “a display of frantic frustration and rage.” Despite the country’s internet blackout, which has lasted over five weeks, the BBC has managed to speak with several Iranians who oppose the current regime. Their identities are concealed to protect them. One individual, Kasra, a young man in Tehran, described the situation as “like being plunged into a quagmire. What can ordinary people do? We’re powerless. We can’t stop him. I imagine a month from now, sitting with my family without water, without electricity, and with no hope.”

“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

While state media showcases well-stocked stores, whispers of shortages and stockpiling suggest growing anxiety. Mina, another young Tehran resident, shared her concern: “My mum is filling every bottle she can find with water. I don’t know what we’ll do now. I think more people in Iran have realized that Trump doesn’t care about them at all. I hate him, and I despise those who back him.”

“I hate him from the bottom of my heart, and hate those who support him too.” – Mina

Previous support turned to skepticism

Initially, some of the BBC’s interviewees viewed the U.S.-Israeli strikes as the aid promised during January’s anti-government protests. However, their optimism has faded as attacks on energy infrastructure now seem like a critical turning point. Arman, a 20-something from Karaj, near Tehran, said: “I’ve thanked Israel and the U.S. for nearly all the targets they’ve hit so far. But I swear, hitting a power station just brings the whole country to a standstill. It plays into the Islamic Republic’s advantage.”

“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

Iranian media reported 13 fatalities and nearly 100 injuries after a bridge under construction in Karaj was bombed on Thursday. Radin, a 20-something in Tehran, added: “I’m fully supportive of all these actions—whether it’s an atomic bomb, or leveling Iran. If attacking targets in the country dismantles the Islamic Republic, I’m fine with that. Because if it survives this war, it will endure forever.”

Many of the individuals the BBC spoke to are also worried about the economic fallout. Bahman, a 20-something from Tehran, stated: “I believe Trump is afraid of what Iran is going to do. I’m certain that Iran will retaliate across the region.”

“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.” – Bahman

For others, the war has disrupted daily life. Bahman, a building superintendent engineer, noted: “My routine is gone. I can’t even go to work now. Some smaller companies have started laying off staff already.”

“When it comes to me, I don’t have a routine anymore, and I can’t even go to work with the situation because I’m a building superintendent engineer and no-one is building anything right now. Some smaller companies have started to lay off their employees already.” – Bahman

Living under the weight of rising costs

Meanwhile, Jamshid, a 30-something restaurant owner in Tehran, said his business “is not the same as before [the war]. I’m not optimistic. I estimate I can keep this going for a month, maybe two, at most. The rent is breaking my back. It’s 200m tomans a month, roughly $1,270, £960, or €1,100.”

“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].” – Jamshid

Despite the economic strain, most still rely on shared internet connections via Starlink systems, though possessing or using them in Iran risks up to two years in prison. The authorities have reportedly intensified searches for those using the technology. The situation, however, is shaping up as a test of resilience for the Iranian people, with their hopes pinned on whether the strikes will weaken the regime they despise.