Following this week’s strikes on Tehran, including a direct hit on Iran’s state television headquarters, residents described a city living in fear and uncertainty.
Speaking exclusively to Digital, an unnamed Tehran-based journalist, fearing repercussions, stated, “I hate , but my country is under attack. Our house shook from the blasts and missiles an hour ago while I was in the newsroom covering the news. We are in a war zone.”
The journalist indicated that the Israeli strike on the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) compound was a significant blow, both practically and symbolically.
“The studio that was bombed is part of the regime’s state broadcaster, a propaganda tool that has never represented the people. We’ve long imagined the fall of IRIB as the final step in the Islamic Republic’s collapse. But yesterday, we were all shocked for a moment,” they explained. “Ordinary people don’t watch the regime’s TV, but the attack felt strangely symbolic—like the world was changing.”
Another Iranian journalist commented ironically, “I’ve repeatedly watched the video of the TV station being bombed live on air and couldn’t stop laughing.”
Despite the chaos, journalists are continuing to report. “We don’t know the precise number of casualties, and even the government’s figures are unreliable. We can’t access the attack sites—security forces are blocking us. And the crackdown on reporters has intensified.”
Internet access is severely restricted. “Most of the time, the internet is completely down,” they added. “But we’re trying to keep going.”
Another Tehran resident told Digital that they only realized the extent of the attacks after briefly regaining internet access. “I was hiding during the bombing. I had no idea what was happening. Has the U.S. intervened? Will this continue?” they questioned.
This uncertainty comes as considers whether to engage militarily or seek a diplomatic solution with Tehran. Some within the Trump administration reportedly to prevent further escalation, while others favor a stronger approach.
President Trump’s message appeared to resonate with Iranians when he urged civilians to evacuate Tehran. He posted on Truth Social yesterday, “IRAN CANNOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”
This reportedly led to a mass exodus from the capital. “People are terrified,” a Tehran resident said. “They’re locking their doors and fleeing the city. The roads are jammed. But for those of us who stay—it’s not easy either. All night, we hear missiles, bombings, explosions.”
” I don’t want to leave my home. But yes—I’m scared,” they added.
They also responded to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s call on Monday for Iranians to revolt, saying, “No one thought the Assad regime would fall, but it did.”
“You’re bombing a city of ten million and telling people to rise up?” adding, “When people are under fire, they don’t start a revolution—they take shelter or flee.”