'They hit so hard the house was shaking': Iranians describe impact of US-Israel attacks

BBC World · Mar 2, 2026 · Collected from RSS

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4 hours agoGhoncheh HabibiazadBBC News PersianReutersIsrael and the US began attacking Iran on Saturday morningPeople in Iran have been describing their experiences as Israel and the US continue to bomb targets across the country.The attacks began on Saturday morning with the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, shocking supporters and opponents. Since then, military and strategic sites have been attacked day and night. The authorities have blocked the internet, making it very difficult for people to communicate with the outside world. Despite the restrictions, the BBC has managed to speak some individuals. Their names have been changed to protect their identities.Hossein, in the city of Karaj, west of the capital Tehran, said there was a big blast near his home on Monday."They hit Karaj so hard that the house was shaking. I heard the loud explosion [and] I'm just trying to get somewhere safe."He said it followed a night of heavy bombing."I counted 17 [explosions] in a row. People are waiting and worried about what's going to happen next, beyond the strikes. Their biggest concern is that America will make an agreement [with the Iranian leadership] and back off. "Last night, there were lots of government supporters on the streets, but I saw from their faces that they looked angry and furious. The security forces patrol during the night to frighten people. Bakeries and petrol stations are busy. "The streets are not busy, and people are at their homes, but the current internet situation has made people furious. This is the third time the regime is cutting off internet this year."Hossein added: "I think the IRGC [Islamic Revolution Guard Corps] still has power on the ground, and this is what makes some people afraid. "I think death of Khamenei, and the fact that he killed many during the recent protests, has widened the gap which was already there between pro- and anti-government people."Amir, who lives in Tehran, said people had been stocking up on supplies."People have shopped and stored groceries as much as they could. We're all sitting at home hearing the explosions when they hit. But well we've been cut off. "It all depends on how many key people are killed, but we're worried that [Iran's leaders] might make a deal. "There are many security stations around the city stopping people that they think are suspicious. "Like in the 12-day war [with Israel last June], we are tired. Very tired. The death of Khamenei is not enough - all the regime needs to go."