Explosions Heard Across Iranian Cities
At approximately 09:40 local time (06:10 GMT), residents in multiple Iranian cities reported hearing loud explosions. Videos shared on social media depict individuals near the blast locations fleeing in panic, accompanied by sounds of screaming and crying.
However, according to BBC Persian, alongside the panic there is also a sense of relief and even celebration among some who believe that military intervention is necessary for the regime's downfall.
In one video, a woman expresses clear relief, stating that Ayatollah Khamenei's residence has been targeted. Another clip shows teenagers at a school dancing and chanting about the strikes, with one saying, "I love Trump."
Preparations and Reactions Prior to the Strikes
Many Iranians had anticipated a possible US attack. Since Friday night, long lines have formed at petrol stations, and numerous residents of Tehran have started leaving the capital for northern areas near the Caspian Sea, which they consider safer.
Iran has experienced an almost complete internet blackout since the attacks began, making communication with those inside the country difficult. Some individuals have briefly accessed the internet using SpaceX's Starlink satellite service and virtual private networks, and may regain access intermittently.
Voices from Tehran Amid the Attacks
The BBC has contacted several pro-regime figures who described the situation in Tehran. One individual stated to hour,
"We have heard lots of explosions. I live in middle of Tehran. This was a normal day until the United States and Israel started attacking the city. Our children have gone to a school in the morning. We had to go and get the children."
Another person told the BBC Weekend programme that he heard fighter jets and two explosions early in the morning from his office in northern Tehran. He described the atmosphere as tense, with a palpable sense of war. He added that people were shopping and stocking up on canned food.
A resident communicating via Starlink informed BBC Persian of a heavy security presence on streets leading to the compound of the Leadership House, the office of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
Messages of Concern and Appeals Amid Blackout
Before the internet blackout, some Iranians posted messages on social media in case they were killed in air strikes. One user wrote,
"If I die, don't forget that we exist too - those of us who oppose any military attack, those of us who will become just a number in reports of the dead."
Another posted,
"Damn the Islamic dictatorship that caused this war. We have already endured three wars."
Several posts highlighted the challenges of communication and fears for children caught in the conflict. One user stated,
"The internet is almost down... If the network is completely cut, know that we are not soldiers for any leader, nor collateral damage. We are human and have the right to live. Try to make our future democratic, not dependent on individuals."
Another user appealed,
"Promise that if anything happens to us, you will look after our children and be very, very kind to them. Tell them we did everything we could - we joined silent marches, we voted, we worked multiple shifts, we endured great hardship."
Perspectives on Regime Change and Military Intervention
BBC Persian reports that many Iranians who survived what has been described as one of the bloodiest crackdowns on civilians in modern history now welcome regime change, even if it results from military intervention and the elimination of senior officials.
Others express concern that air strikes alone may not topple the regime, fearing it could survive and respond with increased brutality towards its people.
During protests over a month ago, which resulted in thousands of deaths, US President Donald Trump encouraged Iranians to continue protesting, promising forthcoming assistance. Currently, some Iranians report receiving text messages stating, "Help has come," urging people to stay home and calling on regime forces to disarm.
Potential Impact of Civilian Casualties
Public opinion could shift dramatically if civilians are killed in the strikes. Many Iranians reacted with anger after state media reported that an Israeli strike on a girls' school killed dozens of people; however, this has not been independently confirmed.
An Iranian living abroad who opposes military intervention commented,
"The first victims of this war are 40 girls in Minab, hit by a missile attack. Is this the war you cheer for?"
Distrust and Accusations Towards the Regime
Deep mistrust of the Iranian regime complicates acceptance of official reports. Some Iranians have directly blamed the regime for the attack. One user wrote,
"Even if the regime did not directly target schools, the deaths of children in Minab remain the responsibility of the Islamic Republic. People have no shelters, the internet is cut, phone lines are down, and there has been no warning to keep children out of school. In these conditions, the minimum requirement should be to stay at home."
