‘I just want to find some rest’: Attacks in Iran disrupt cities and plunge power grids into darkness
Residents of Iran have shared with BBC Persian that they are drained and finding it increasingly difficult to sleep following 10 days of bombardments by Israeli and US forces. Continuous explosions in Tehran and the nearby city of Karaj during the night have left many without electricity, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear.
“The electricity failed, leaving me in complete darkness without knowing what was happening,” said a man in his 30s from Tehran. “They struck heavily last night. All I saw in my house were cracks in the walls. Sleeping has become the most challenging task for me.”
The Israeli military disclosed that it had launched a “series of strikes” targeting terror sites in Tehran on Monday evening. By Tuesday morning, it confirmed that the attacks had focused on an underground facility linked to the Revolutionary Guards’ weapons research, infrastructure at the Quds Force’s main headquarters, and additional defense production sites. A second strike wave hit Tehran in the afternoon of Tuesday, according to military statements.
A coordinated assault by Israel and the US on February 28 sparked Iranian retaliation with missile and drone strikes against Israel and locations in the Middle East where US military bases and embassies are situated. HRANA, a US-based human rights group, noted that 1,761 people have been killed in Iran since the conflict began, including 1,245 civilians and 194 children.
Journalists’ access to Iran remains limited, and BBC Persian has not been able to independently verify events or figures from within the country. Internet connectivity has also been nearly severed, though residents have reached out to the BBC, with their identities kept confidential for safety reasons.
“The bombardment was intense, leaving visible damage to the walls,” said another man in his 30s. “Every few hours, there are explosions, and the nearest place to us was struck. I just want a night of rest.”
A woman in her 20s described the nights as marked by frequent blasts and an unusual white light in the sky, differing from previous nights. “Even if it takes weeks, it’s still better than living with this system for a lifetime,” she remarked, echoing sentiments among those who aspire to see the Islamic Republic replaced.
In Karaj, a city 30 km west of Tehran, some residents voiced similar frustrations. A man in his 30s shared that the city experienced fluctuations and a blue glow in the sky during Monday night. A BBC Persian video from Karaj captured the distant booms and the sky’s vibrant blue and red hues.
“I am tired of this situation. The whole war feels overwhelming,” said a 20-year-old from Karaj. “Some future scenarios for the people of Iran are truly terrifying.”
A mother and restaurateur in her 50s, living in Karaj’s Mehrshahr neighborhood, recounted a strike near her home. “The closest place to us was hit, and we felt the shadow of death over our heads,” she said. “But we will stand firm until the end to survive and gain freedom. Even if we are killed, it doesn’t matter compared to the lives lost in the fight for change.”
Others, however, expressed less certainty. A 20-year-old from Tehran who described daily missile proximity mentioned being wounded in the eye during December and January protests. “The regime’s persistence has made this war unbearable,” he said, highlighting the growing weariness among citizens.
