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Updated 10 March 2026 - Residents report relentless explosions and power cuts amid ongoing Israeli and US military operations.
Residents describe relentless attacks and power outages
Tehran and the nearby city of Karaj have been rocked by near-constant explosions over the past 10 days, leaving residents exhausted and struggling to sleep. Civilians told BBC Persian that strikes occurred "every few hours" overnight, accompanied by widespread power cuts and eerie lights in the sky.
A man in his 30s from Tehran described spending the night in "total darkness" after a blackout. "The electricity went out, and I had no idea what was happening," he said. Another resident in his 20s reported that missiles struck a street near his home, adding, "I just want to be able to sleep tonight."
In Karaj, 30 kilometers west of Tehran, a man in his 30s witnessed power fluctuations and a "blue light" illuminating the sky. Footage published by BBC Persian showed explosions lighting up the horizon with blue and red glows.
Israeli military claims targeted strikes on Revolutionary Guards sites
On Monday evening, the Israeli military announced it had launched a "broad wave of strikes against terror targets in Tehran." By Tuesday morning, it confirmed hitting an underground complex used by the Revolutionary Guards for weapons research, infrastructure within the Quds Force headquarters, and other defense production sites.
Another round of strikes was reported in Tehran on Tuesday afternoon. The Israeli and US joint offensive began on 28 February, prompting retaliatory Iranian missile and drone attacks on Israel and US military bases across the Middle East.
Civilian toll rises as access remains restricted
The US-based Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRANA) reported that 1,761 people have been killed in Iran since the conflict escalated, including at least 1,245 civilians. Among the dead are 194 children. Journalists have limited access to the country, and the BBC has not independently verified these figures.
Internet connectivity in Iran has been severely restricted, but BBC Persian has gathered accounts from residents, whose identities are withheld for safety.
Mixed reactions: Defiance, fear, and exhaustion
A woman in her 20s from Tehran described explosions occurring "every few hours" and a strange white light in the sky. Despite the chaos, she expressed hope for an end to the Islamic Republic, saying, "Even if it takes a few weeks now, it's still better than spending a lifetime living with this system."
In Karaj, a mother in her 50s, who runs a middle-class restaurant, said a strike hit near her home overnight. "We truly felt the shadow of death over our heads," she recounted. Yet, she remained resolute: "We are standing firm until the end to survive and to be free. Even if we are killed, it honestly does not matter compared to the lives that have already been lost in the hope of victory."
Others voiced despair. A man in his 20s from Karaj said, "I'm getting tired of this situation. The whole war is overwhelming. Some scenarios for the future and for the people of Iran are truly frightening."
A Tehran resident in his 20s, who was shot in the eye during anti-government protests in December and January, said, "We are the victims. I have been harmed by the Islamic Republic, and because of it, a war is now happening that is harming us again." HRANA reported that at least 6,480 protesters were killed and 25,000 injured during the crackdown by security forces.
Daily life disrupted as strikes draw closer
A man in his 30s from Tehran said strikes lasted "20 minutes in a row" at one point overnight. "I am tired," he said. "Every bit of routine I had is now gone. I either can't do them or don't have the motivation to carry them out."
A woman in her 40s from Tehran expressed sadness over the destruction but echoed hopes for change: "I'm very sad about what has happened to the city, but I hope it ends well for the people of Iran. I hope to see them [officials] gone."
