Egypt Daily News – Tehran is experiencing an unprecedented situation as Israeli airstrikes intensify and expand to include civilian areas, streets, and buildings without exception, resulting in casualties, injuries, and displaced people seeking safe havens in a city that lacks even basic shelters.
Through the eyes of residents in this repeatedly targeted city since Friday, life appears very different. They say what’s happening is an open massacre, leaving the smell of death everywhere.
A Continuous Massacre
Iranian woman Nahed said: “This is a massacre. The explosions haven’t stopped. Children are crying, and we fear many civilians have been killed. There’s a smell of death in the air. I can’t stop crying.”
On Sunday, residents began fleeing Tehran toward the countryside as Israeli attacks on the Iranian capital escalated, with bombs falling on both residential and government buildings. Authorities have not released an official death toll, but estimates indicate at least 138 people have been killed and hundreds wounded since Friday’s strikes on Iran.
The bombing began early Friday morning when Israel launched hundreds of raids in what it described as “an operation to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.” Iran quickly responded with a barrage of ballistic missiles and continued shelling Israel, killing 10 people, including in strikes on residential buildings Saturday evening.
As the conflict escalates, Iranian authorities announced that Tehran’s metro stations and schools would be opened to serve as shelters.
No Shelters
Mehdi Chamran, head of the city council, urged civilians to use tunnels and basements as temporary shelters, saying: “Unfortunately, we do not have shelters in Tehran or in other cities.” The intensity of the Israeli attack shocked both Iranian citizens and the government, with Israeli aircraft flying almost freely over Iranian airspace. While Iranian missiles were heading toward Israel, its army seemed unable to stop the Israeli attacks.
Nahed added, “We’re not sure if the schools or metro stations will be safe. What if we’re buried under rubble? My sisters and I will urge our parents and neighbors to leave their homes.”
Chaos reigned in Tehran’s streets as residents rushed to buy food amid the bombings before shops closed.
Reza, a student at the University of Tehran, said: “People are running in the streets and screaming. Going out now is extremely dangerous, but we have no choice.” The 21-year-old described the endless lines at gas stations as he and others filled their cars before leaving the city.
As people queued for fuel or cash from ATMs, panic began to spread as the strikes coincided with car bomb explosions, which reports say targeted Iranian nuclear scientists.
A Critical Moment
With Iran’s mobile phone network down, people struggled to communicate with their loved ones. Experts said the Israeli attack came at a critical time for the Iranian government, which has been shaken by protests in recent years and a worsening economic crisis.
Dr. Ali Fathollah-Nejad, founder and director of the Center for the Middle East and Global Order, said: “This war is happening amid a highly dangerous domestic situation because we are facing the most severe economic crisis in decades.”
Food prices and the cost of basic goods have risen sharply over the past year due to the rapid decline in the Iranian currency’s value. Fathollah-Nejad added that the economic crisis, along with military pressure, were key reasons that pushed the Iranian government toward diplomacy with the United States, with negotiations ongoing in recent months over its nuclear program.
Some Iranians reacted to the chaos in the city with pure sarcasm, sharing humorous posts that indirectly criticized the government’s lack of preparedness.
Videos circulated on social media showing senior Iranian military officials claiming “Israel would never dare attack Iran,” even as Israeli bombing of Tehran intensified.
Hadi, a Tehran resident, said: “We’re hearing rumors about regime change, especially from the Israelis and Americans. It feels like a joke.” He added that among his friends, some who were initially opposed to Iran developing nuclear weapons now feel the country needs a nuclear arsenal to defend itself against Israel.
Hadi said: “Many Iranians may criticize the government and object to its strategies, but history has shown that Iranians unite when attacked by a foreign country.”
