Tehran, Iran – Residents of Tehran endured one of the most intense nights of airstrikes since the war began 10 days ago, as the United States and Israel launched heavy bombardments across the Iranian capital. Numerous neighborhoods in the sprawling city of over 10 million people were hit, causing widespread fear and panic.
Overnight into Tuesday, warplanes flew at low altitudes above Tehran, dropping dozens of explosives that shook buildings and terrified residents who mostly stayed in their homes. Additional strikes hit cities such as Isfahan and Karaj during the day. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described Tuesday as “our most intense day of strikes inside Iran.”
Sima, a 38-year-old resident from western Tehran, described the strikes: “It felt like tens of fighter jets were flying right above our heads for 15 minutes, followed by short pauses before the next waves of strikes.” She added, “The ground and windows were shaking, our hearts were racing, but we took shelter in our bathroom and endured it.”
Many residents reported seeing bright flashes of light as the aerial strikes briefly turned night into day. Some climbed onto rooftops or balconies to observe and record the bombings. Online videos showed blue flashes in certain areas, possibly caused by damage to power facilities. Electricity was temporarily cut in parts of Tehran but was restored within hours.
Alireza, a 25-year-old living alone in central Tehran, said he kept his apartment door unlocked to quickly reach the underground parking if needed. Tehran lacks official shelters or warning systems, similar to the 12-day war with Israel and the US in June.
Communication has become extremely difficult. Residents rely on constant phone calls and messages to check on family and friends across the city. The near-total nationwide internet blackout, now in its 11th day, leaves only a local intranet and state-controlled information. VPNs and proxy services are sold on the black market but are expensive, slow, and frequently blocked.
Global monitor NetBlocks described the blackout as “among the most severe government-imposed nationwide internet shutdowns on record,” second only to the 20-day shutdown during nationwide protests in January. Authorities have indicated the shutdown will continue indefinitely. Government spokespeople say only select individuals who can “get the voice out” are allowed access, without further explanation.
Unlike during previous protests, journalists have been allowed limited access, but government permits are required to report from the streets or strike sites. The judiciary warned that anyone recording or sharing videos of the attacks could face prosecution. Satellite TV, GPS, and radio signals have been disrupted, especially for channels and services viewed as foreign or “terrorist” by the government.
Heavily armed paramilitary Basij forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have established checkpoints across Tehran. The judiciary has threatened severe punishments, including execution and confiscation of property, for those who support the US or Israel or share information with foreign media. Private assets of opponents have already been seized in similar crackdowns.
Residents of Tehran continue to endure the bombardments under fear and uncertainty, navigating life in a city under siege while the government maintains strict control over information and movement. See more