Based on BBC Persian Reports | Harvkat News
Fear. Anger. Uncertainty. These emotions now dominate the lives of countless Iranians following devastating overnight US airstrikes on three of Iran’s key nuclear facilities: Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordo.
“My days and nights are the same now. I feel paralysed. I just stare at the ceiling all day and all night,” says Shahla (name changed for safety), in a message to BBC Persian.
💣 US Airstrikes and Iran’s “Red Line”
US President Donald Trump declared that the sites had been “obliterated”, warning Iran’s leadership to choose between “peace or tragedy.”
In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US of “crossing a big red line” and warned of “everlasting consequences.”
This strike came barely a week after Israel launched a major aerial assault on Iran, citing threats from its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
😢 On the Ground: Fear, Rage, and Reflection
“I’ve never felt this level of sorrow and rage in my life,” said Mehri (not her real name) in a voice message to BBC Persian.
“But in a strange way, it gives me clarity. It reminds me that I’m connected to something larger than myself.”
She continued:
“This war — Iran’s war — is essentially a conflict between three men. Three leaders from three countries, each driven by ideology.”
She was clearly referring to Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.
“When they mention names like Isfahan, it hurts. These places are not just strategic targets. They’re sacred to us.”
🇮🇷 Defiance and Patriotism
From Maku, in northwestern Iran, Homayoun shared a defiant message:
“Yes, we are facing hard times — but we will stand by our country till the very end. If necessary, we will give our lives for our homeland and our honour.”
“We won’t let America and its allies make the wrong moves on our soil.”
📉 Death Toll Rises, Regional Tensions Soar
Iran’s Health Ministry reports that at least 430 people have been killed, though a human rights group estimates the toll may be twice as high.
In retaliation, Iran launched missiles at Israeli cities, killing 24 people and injuring 1,270, according to Israeli authorities.
President Trump has warned that any further Iranian retaliation would be met with “far greater force than what was seen tonight.”
At a news conference in Turkey, Iran’s Foreign Minister reiterated:
“Iran reserves all options to defend its security, interests, and people.”
👶 A New Generation, A New Iran?
One Iranian man told BBC:
“My child is due in a few days. I hope their birth marks the beginning of a new Iran — one that rethinks its relationship with the world and its own people.”
He added:
“I want my child to grow up in a country where surveillance cameras and security forces focus on real threats — not on enforcing hijab laws.”
(Referring to the mass anti-hijab protests and the deadly crackdown in 2022.)
🕊️ Hope for a Better Future
Farhad (not his real name) said:
“I’m not happy about what’s happening. But the Islamic Republic’s past policies were also unbearable. I hope this marks the start of something better for Iran.”
📌 Conclusion:
The US strikes have not only targeted nuclear facilities — they have pierced the hearts of many Iranians. What unfolds next remains uncertain, but the voices emerging from inside Iran are clear: this is not just a geopolitical power game — it’s a human crisis. A moment of reckoning. A test of resilience, identity, and hope.
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