“The number of explosions, the destruction, what is happening – it’s unbelievable,” says Salar, whose name has been changed.
Iran’s capital, Tehran, is under heavy attack since strikes began on 28 February, as the US and Israel target military and political sites in a bid to weaken the Islamic regime.
However, other areas have been hit as a consequence of the strikes. Iranian officials said more than 160 people, including children, were killed when a girls’ school was hit in the city of Minab on Saturday. The White House says the US is investigating the incident but does not target civilians.
“What we are experiencing now is beyond what we experienced during the 12-day war,” one local living in Tehran tells BBC Persian, referring to the conflict between Israel and Iran last year.
While some Iranians say the ongoing attacks have left them fearing for their families, others characterise the regime as fearful and express hope for the country’s future.
The first wave of strikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but air attacks have shown little sign of relenting in the days since.
“Each day has felt like a month,” Salar says. “The volume of attacks is so high.”
He said a recent air strike left his whole house shaking and described having to leave his windows opens so the glass wouldn’t shatter.
International news organisations are often refused visas to Iran, which severely limits their ability to gather information about what is going on inside the country. Internet blackouts make the situation even harder.
Most people are staying indoors, only venturing out for supplies. The regime appears to have increased its security presence on the streets, which Iranians have seen as a response to the dissent shown following the ayatollah’s death.
“There are checkpoints everywhere. They’re scared of their own shadows,” says one 25-year old student in Tehran.
“We’re waiting for the grand moment, the final moment, when we all go out and we will be victorious.”
The price of staples like eggs and potatoes have also skyrocketed, he said, and the queues for petrol and bread “are unbelievable”.
Another resident of the capital tells the BBC that most shops are closed and some cash machines out of service, though supermarkets and bakeries remain open.
Tehran feels “empty” and anyone leaving their home must have an “urgent reason”, she says.
“On the first day, people were chanting and everyone seemed happy. But now there are police forces around.”
Salar described threats from security forces about speaking out against the country’s regime.
While getting access to independent information has been hard, Salar says Iranian security forces have been making their demands clear.
“Every day they send SMS messages warning that if we go outside, they will deal with us harshly,” he says.
“A message came saying that if anyone among you goes out and protests ‘we consider you Israeli collaborators’.”
He believes the tone of the message suggested that anyone who disobeyed would be dealt with forcefully, or even killed.
bbc.com