2025-06-16T17:55:00Z

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A growing sense of fear and panic has swept across Iran, especially in its bustling capital, Tehran, as Israel continues to threaten military action. Reports indicate that many residents are fleeing major urban areas, with heavy traffic jams forming on roads leading north toward the Caspian Sea as people seek refuge from potential airstrikes.

On Monday, the Israeli military issued a stark warning to Tehran's inhabitants, advising them to evacuate their homes “immediately.” This urgent communication highlighted the imminent threat of operations targeting military infrastructure associated with the Iranian regime. The post stated, “In the coming hours, the Israeli military will operate in the area, as it has in recent days throughout Tehran.”

Residents of Saadat Abad, an upscale neighborhood that has reportedly been struck in recent days, recounted a harrowing experience filled with powerful explosions. “Some were so powerful that the building shook,” shared one resident anonymously, citing safety concerns. They described chaotic scenes where thick smoke billowed into nearby buildings, prompting families to rush to the ground floors in a desperate attempt to calm their frightened children.

Tehran, in stark contrast to Israeli cities equipped with modern bomb shelters, finds itself ill-prepared for aerial conflict. Mehdi Chamran, the chairman of Tehran's city council, remarked, “There weren't any shelters built in Tehran. People went into basements. The metro could be used in an extreme crisis, but we would need to shut the system down.” Iran's capital relies on makeshift solutions—basements, tunnels, and shelters that date back to the devastating Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s—leaving residents vulnerable.

Despite the escalating threats, daily life in Tehran continues in a somewhat subdued manner. Grocery store shelves remain stocked, and public events proceed as planned, but palpable anxiety lingers. Long lines for fuel have emerged, with gas being rationed and capped at 25 liters per customer. Additionally, reports indicate that some ATMs have begun to limit cash withdrawals, further heightening the tension among residents.

Beyond the capital, other cities are also starting to show signs of distress. In Shiraz, located in south-central Iran, residents are lining up for gasoline and stockpiling essential supplies such as water and diapers. Eyewitness accounts and images depict vehicles filled with families and their belongings making their way toward rural areas, seeking safety and respite from the turmoil.

As night falls over Tehran, a starkly different atmosphere emerges. The once vibrant streets grow eerily quiet, shops remain closed, and those who have chosen to stay are increasingly reluctant to leave their homes for work, as the threat of further strikes looms. This situation follows a series of Israeli military actions targeting crucial Iranian military infrastructure, including significant nuclear facilities located in Natanz and Isfahan, raising international alarm and concern about the unfolding conflict.