Voices of Iranians Express Fear and Anger After US Strikes in Iran

Following the recent US airstrikes on key nuclear sites in Iran, Iranians have been reaching out to BBC Persian to share their emotions and concerns. Many of them expressed feelings of fear, anger, and defiance in the face of the escalating tensions.

Shahla, a concerned citizen whose identity has been concealed for safety reasons, described feeling paralyzed by the events. She mentioned, "My days and nights are the same. I feel paralyzed. I just stare at the ceiling all day and all night." She added, "I keep wondering what will happen next, and we are constantly caught by surprise."

Another Iranian, Mehri, despite the restricted internet access, managed to send an audio message to BBC Persian expressing her sorrow and rage. She stated, "I don't think I've ever felt this level of sorrow and rage over anything in my life. But in a way, it also gives me a strange sense of clarity - it reminds me that I'm connected to something beyond myself."

Homayoun, a defiant man from the north-western region of Maku, responded to Trump's warning by saying, "Yes, we're going through tough times - but we'll stand by our country to the very end. And if needed, we'll give our lives for our homeland, for our honor."

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned of "everlasting consequences" following the US airstrikes, emphasizing that the US had crossed a significant red line. He also stated that Iran reserved all options to defend its security, interests, and people.

As tensions rise, some Iranians are hopeful for a de-escalation in the conflict. One individual expressed, "Iran is rational enough to know that any response targeting the US would be complete suicide." Another person shared their desire for a new Iran, hoping for a fresh approach towards international relations and domestic affairs.

Despite the turmoil, one young woman who had fled Tehran with her family emphasized her stance against regime change imposed by foreign powers, stating, "We were trying to make changes ourselves inside, and I don't think a change coming from the US or Israel would be a good change."