Iranian Citizens Fear Prolonged Conflict and Infrastructure Damage Amid US-Iran Tensions

For 12 consecutive nights, exchanges of fire between the United States and Iran have left Iranian citizens uncertain whether they will wake up to normalcy or an expanded war. In interviews with N12, residents from Tehran and Mashhad described a heightened security atmosphere on the streets and expressed hope for change amid renewed US-Iran escalations. Fiam from Mashhad noted the increased presence of regime forces, while Shirin from Tehran highlighted the fear and heavy traffic caused by security checkpoints.

Although protests against the regime have not yet resumed, many Iranians voiced their frustrations openly. Aalia from Tehran criticized Supreme Leader Khamenei for disregarding the people's suffering, emphasizing the regime's indifference to poverty and unemployment while living comfortably themselves. The main concern among citizens is not just the looming war but the possibility of a prolonged conflict that could lead to Iran's collapse, as Elireza from Mashhad explained.

Shirin also warned that ongoing tensions might result in more arrests and executions on charges of espionage or collaboration with hostile states, often based on innocuous acts like photographing damaged areas. Fiam expressed support for any action that could hasten the regime's end with minimal cost to the Iranian people but feared that military escalation would cause critical infrastructure destruction and worsen civilian hardships.

In closing, Iranian citizens conveyed a clear message to former US President Trump and Israel: they urged them to "finish the job" against the regime, asserting that any destruction could be rebuilt, but allowing the regime to remain in power would drag the world into ruin and pollution.