Tehran Residents Describe Night of Terror Amid Escalating Conflict
Residents in Tehran have recounted experiencing one of the most intense nights of bombing since the outbreak of the war between Iran, the United States, and Israel, describing how powerful explosions shook buildings and illuminated the night sky as successive waves of strikes targeted the Iranian capital. The conflict, which originated with US–Israeli attacks on Iranian targets on February 28, has now entered its second week with both sides significantly escalating military operations throughout the region.
"The Ground and Our Hearts Were Shaking"
In Tehran, civilians reported that the bombardment overnight into Tuesday ranked among the heaviest they have endured since hostilities commenced. Sima, a 38-year-old resident of western Tehran who spoke anonymously to Al Jazeera, vividly described the terrifying moment the strikes began. She recounted that the deafening noise of aircraft and explosions persisted for extended periods without respite.
"It felt like tens of fighter jets were flying right above our heads for 15 minutes straight at first, then a few minutes of pause before the next rounds of strikes came in," Sima explained. "The ground and the windows and our hearts were shaking, but we took shelter in our bathroom and got through it."
Multiple Cities Targeted in Coordinated Attacks
According to emerging reports, several Iranian cities were simultaneously struck during this aggressive wave of attacks, including Isfahan and Karaj. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth had previously cautioned that Tuesday would mark "our most intense day of strikes inside Iran." Numerous residents observed that the bombardment briefly transformed night into day, with brilliant flashes from aerial assaults illuminating extensive sections of the city. This prompted some individuals to rush to rooftops or balconies to document the strikes despite the inherent dangers.
Scramble for Safety in a City Lacking Infrastructure
Other residents concentrated on locating safe havens in a metropolis that lacks formal air raid shelters. Tehran, similar to much of Iran, does not possess extensive civilian shelters or siren systems comparable to those in Israel. Consequently, many inhabitants rely on basements, parking garages, or interior rooms within their homes for protection.
Alireza, a 25-year-old living in central Tehran, disclosed that he kept the front door of his apartment unlocked throughout the night in case he needed to swiftly escape to the building’s underground parking area. "I'm going crazy with how many times I’ve had to communicate with friends and family in Tehran and other cities through endless phone calls and text messages to see where and what was hit," he expressed. "There’s hardly any information in this internet shutdown."
Regional Conflict Expands with Reciprocal Strikes
The strikes on Tehran occurred as the war broadened across the wider Middle East. Iranian forces launched what the state broadcaster IRIB characterized as the "most intense and heaviest" missile barrage of the conflict, targeting Israeli cities such as Tel Aviv and Haifa. Additionally, Iranian missiles and drones were reported heading toward American and allied facilities across the Gulf region.
Air defence systems were activated in multiple countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which confirmed intercepting numerous incoming threats. In a separate development, the US military reported destroying 16 Iranian mine-laying boats near the Strait of Hormuz following warnings that Tehran might attempt to blockade this critical oil shipping route.
Heightened Fear Due to Absence of Early Warnings
Tehran residents emphasized that the lack of early warning systems has substantially increased the fear and uncertainty surrounding these attacks. The absence of reliable information during internet shutdowns has compelled civilians to depend on personal networks for updates, exacerbating the psychological toll of the ongoing conflict.
