Iranians Stockpile Food and Withdraw Cash Amid Fears of US-Israel Attacks

Many Iranian citizens began the week with significant anxiety, fueled by reports that the United States and Israel have finalized plans for a new wave of attacks in the coming days or weeks. Residents in Tehran were seen flocking to gas stations, withdrawing cash from banks, and stocking up on essential food items. Parents are reportedly debating whether to send their children to school, while businesspeople have canceled work trips due to concerns about potential airspace closures or road blockades. Social media influencers have advised their followers to "keep a low profile" and avoid unnecessary travel.

One Tehran businessman, Majid (42), told The New York Times that he had instructed his wife to keep their son home from school, with decisions to be made daily. His wife, who works for a government ministry that could be a target, called in sick. Shadi, a teacher from Tehran, stated she would go to school unless the government ordered it closed, but admitted to constantly worrying about how to protect her students during class hours in case of explosions.

The public's fear is partly rooted in a recent traumatic event: on February 28, the U.S. military mistakenly struck an elementary school in Minab, killing 156 students and teachers, an incident attributed by the Americans to a misidentification due to outdated data.

The heightened tension coincides with President Donald Trump's threats to attack Iran after the U.S. midterm elections if a diplomatic agreement on its nuclear program was not reached. Concurrently, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing a close election, stated last week that Israel and the U.S. must unite to overthrow the Tehran regime, a remark that has raised fears in Iran of an Israeli attack before the upcoming elections.

Despite mediation efforts by Pakistan, Qatar, and Russia, negotiations between Tehran and Washington remain stalled. While Iranian leadership and military commanders threaten a severe regional response, and some hardline government supporters demand escalation, moderate factions are urging caution. Javad Imam, a senior reformist party official, wrote to the government that the responsibility for decisions rests with them, and the cost of war will fall on the people. The article notes that at least 1,900 civilians have died in 40 days of bombing this year, according to the Iranian Red Crescent, with war damages estimated at $300 billion. The Iranian economy is in freefall, with U.S. sanctions and a naval blockade causing the national currency to collapse and food prices to surge over 200%.

For many Iranians, economic survival is as pressing as the security threat, having already endured two intense rounds of conflict since June 2025. Alireza (54), an Iran-Iraq War veteran from Kerman, expressed anger at the government's lack of transparency, stating that war brings only death and destruction, and people are under immense pressure and crushed by the economic blockade. Behnam (38), a musician from Tehran, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the widespread concern over a lack of money and the struggle for survival.