Fear over survival is deepening among Iranian citizens as the deadline approaches for U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to strike all power plants and bridges inside Iran. A complex psychology is emerging — many want the current theocratic regime to collapse, yet view infrastructure destruction as unacceptable.
"The Regime Must Fall, But"… Citizens Draw the Line at Infrastructure Strikes
According to the BBC on Wednesday, Trump has demanded the opening of the Strait of Hormuz by 8 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday (9 a.m. Thursday KST), warning he would strike power plants and bridges if Iran fails to comply.
As the deadline closes in, Iranian citizens are revealing conflicted feelings. While hoping military operations could shake the theocratic regime, the prevailing sentiment is that infrastructure attacks — which could cut off electricity and water supplies — represent "a line that must not be crossed," according to the report.
Kasra, a pseudonym for a Tehran resident in his 20s, said he feels like he is "sinking deeper and deeper into a swamp." He added, "I keep imagining sitting with my family a month from now with no water, no electricity — someone blows out the candle and we just go to sleep."
Mina, also in her 20s, said, "My mother is filling every bottle in the house with water," adding, "More and more Iranians are realizing that Trump doesn't care about us at all."
The gap between Trump's promises and actions is something Iranians have experienced before. According to HRANA, a U.S.-based human rights organization, Trump pledged support for protesters during anti-government demonstrations in January, but reportedly did not intervene substantively while security forces killed approximately 6,500 people and detained more than 50,000.
Arman, in his 20s and living in Karaj, said, "I've mostly supported the U.S.-Israeli strikes so far, but hitting power plants would paralyze the country." He expressed concern about a backlash effect that would only strengthen the regime's position.
Radin, also in her 20s, took the opposite stance, saying she would willingly endure the hardship if the attacks brought down the regime.
Daily Life at a Standstill… Livelihoods Crumbling
The prolonged conflict is causing economic shocks to snowball.
Bahman, a construction inspector in his 20s, said, "Daily life has disappeared. No one is building anything, so I can't even go to work. Small firms have already started laying people off."
Jamshid, a restaurant operator in his 30s, said, "The situation is completely different from before the war. I don't think I can hold on for more than a month or two because of the rent burden." He explained that monthly rent approaches 200 million tomans (approximately $1,270), compared to average monthly wages of $200 to $300.
An internet blackout lasting more than five weeks is also amplifying anxiety. Some citizens are attempting to access the outside world through workarounds such as Starlink, but face significant risk as detection can carry a prison sentence of up to two years. Internet access is reportedly being sold through Telegram and other channels at approximately $6 per gigabyte.
Many among the younger generation are reporting domestic conflicts and mental breakdowns under extreme stress.
Marjan, a woman in her 20s, said, "I feel like I'm losing my mind." She added, "I didn't even renew the expensive internet access. What's the point if Trump attacks the energy infrastructure?"
She continued, "It's so painful. My parents feel the same way, and now we fight over the smallest things. I keep telling myself I'm fine, but I had three mental breakdowns just today."