Fear Swirls as Iran Faces New Threats

Iran’s streets filled with long lines at gas stations as residents fled city centers, seeking safety after a joint strike by the United States and Israel. Early Saturday morning, explosions shook Tehran, sending smoke clouds into the sky and rattling the start of a working week. A man in Tehran hurried to pick up his children from school, describing the chaos that unfolded. A mother of two from Tabriz voiced her terror: “My kids are shaking, we have nowhere to go, we will die here. ” Her grief echoed across many towns where blasts were heard. The country’s top security council warned that attacks might continue in Tehran and other cities, urging people to relocate if possible. Schools and universities were shut down pending further instructions. The assault follows a recent violent crackdown that killed thousands during nationwide protests, and it comes eight months after the 12‑day war with Israel in which U. S. forces bombed Iranian nuclear sites. President Trump claimed the operation would eliminate a threat to the United States and give Iranians a chance to overthrow their leaders, while the Pentagon labeled the strikes “Operation Epic Fury. ”Opinions among Iranians are split. A resident of Yazd hoped the bombings would topple the clerical regime, saying “Let them bomb. ” Meanwhile, a woman from Rasht expressed frustration with the government but feared foreign attacks would turn Iran into a chaotic Iraq, reminiscent of post‑invasion turmoil in neighboring nations. Security forces sealed roads near Tehran’s political heart, including the offices of the Supreme Leader and Parliament. The attacks followed a stalled U. S. –Iran nuclear negotiation in Geneva, with Omani mediators reporting progress that many felt was deceptive. “They said the nuclear talks are going well. They fooled us again, ” a Tehran resident remarked. People rushed to buy hard currency, while ATMs in Isfahan failed to dispense cash. Families moved toward border towns; one man planned to cross into Turkey and fly to Istanbul if borders opened. Others, like a resident of Ilam, spoke quietly about leaving town with their families, hoping for safety. A mother in Tehran summed up the collective fear: “People are shocked, scared. What is going to happen to us? Save us please. ” The country remains on edge as uncertainty about its future grows.