Iranians Say ‘Every Day Feels Like a Month’ Under US‑Israeli Strikes

Published: March 5, 2026
The English Chronicle Desk
The English Chronicle Online

Iranians living through the intensified US and Israeli military campaign say everyday life has shifted into a tense, surreal routine as airstrikes persist across cities including Tehran, Zanjan and other population centres. Residents describe a cycle of bombardment, fear and disruption that has left many feeling that “every day feels like a month,” illustrating the stark human cost of a conflict that has already claimed many hundreds of lives and upended daily existence.

Since the coordinated strikes began on February 28, waves of explosions have rattled homes and neighbourhoods, forcing citizens to adapt to a new normal dominated by fear of sudden attacks and uncertainty about the future. “The volume of attacks is so high,” one resident who asked to be identified only by a pseudonym told BBC Persian, describing repeated air raids that shook structures and sent shockwaves through residential areas. Many people say they stay inside most of the time, venturing out only when necessary to buy food or essential supplies amid the risk of being caught in further strikes.

Tehran in particular has seen deserted streets, bread lines and long wait times for essentials as life is increasingly shaped by fear and basic survival. One local explained that even routine tasks like finding bread or water have become labours of anxiety, with bakeries operating at reduced capacity and civilians regularly pausing to listen for air-raid sirens before moving about.

Uncertainty and disruption extend beyond physical safety. Restrictions on movement, internet blackouts, and heightened security presence have made communication and access to reliable information difficult for many Iranians. People in Tehran reported that most shops are closed, some ATMs are out of service, and many residents remain indoors to avoid danger, creating a sense of isolation and urgency in everyday life.

Families have described the psychological strain of balancing the need to stay alive with the desire to maintain some semblance of normality. The relentless pace of violence and displacement has exacerbated worries for loved ones’ safety, with some sending relatives to supposedly safer areas while still fearing new strikes could follow them.

Those who have remained in affected cities say the intensity of the bombardment dwarfs previous conflicts, and that the constant threat of explosions alters the perception of time — making days feel elongated and heavy with tension. As one resident put it, the psychological impact of living under near‑daily strikes transforms routine moments into periods of waiting, fear and reflection on what might come next.

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