Iranians Speak Out About Uncertainty Following US Attacks

Newsweek

3 hours ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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"We don't know what to do anymore." That was the response from one Iranian civilian following U.S. airstrikes that destroyed three of the country's major nuclear facilities overnight. Speaking anonymously to Newsweek, the individual described the atmosphere inside Iran as one of fear, paralysis, and exhaustion.
The coordinated bombings targeted three Iranian nuclear sites. U.S. President Donald Trump declared the facilities "obliterated" and warned Iran's leadership to choose "peace or tragedy." But for many civilians, the decision has already been made for them—and they are the ones living with the consequences.
Why It Matters
The bombing of nuclear sites inside Iran by the U.S. represents a flashpoint in a region already teetering on the edge of all-out war.
The strikes came after Israel launched a wide-scale air assault last week, targeting Iranian infrastructure in what it described as a preemptive campaign against existential threats.
Iran's government has labeled the subsequent U.S. strike a violation of international law, warning that Washington has crossed a "red line" that will have "everlasting consequences."
With Iranian missiles now striking Israeli cities in response—and fears mounting of additional U.S. or Israeli attacks—civilians are increasingly caught in the crossfire, both literally and emotionally.
People purchase drinks at a partially-shuttered Tehran Market on June 22, 2025 in Tehran, Iran. In the early hours of June 22, the United States dropped a series of bombs on several alleged nuclear...
People purchase drinks at a partially-shuttered Tehran Market on June 22, 2025 in Tehran, Iran. In the early hours of June 22, the United States dropped a series of bombs on several alleged nuclear facilities in Iran, joining Israel's ongoing war with the country. Iran responded with a barrage of missiles at Israel and promised retaliation against US interests in the region. More
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What to Know
Multiple Iranians who spoke to Newsweek after the strikes described living in constant fear, their daily routines overshadowed by uncertainty. With internet and communication channels disrupted, many say they feel increasingly cut off from the outside world and from each other.
Their emotions range from dread and anger to quiet ambivalence. "Every day we wake up fearing the worst," one person said. "We don't know what to expect next."
For some, the U.S. attack has deepened longstanding mistrust. "Nothing Trump says means anything," said a dentist from the city of Yazd, which was bombed by Israel on Friday. "How can we trust the U.S.? One day they talk about peace, the next they drop bombs."
Others admitted feeling conflicted—wary of their own government's actions but unconvinced the U.S. has any real interest in their well-being.
Despite the devastation, some Iranians insisted they would endure. "We've been through war before," said a man in western Iran. "We will get through this as well."
A banner bearing a painting that represents various categories of the Iranian society is deployed against the facade of a building in Tehran, with a message that reads in Farsi: " we are all soldiers...
A banner bearing a painting that represents various categories of the Iranian society is deployed against the facade of a building in Tehran, with a message that reads in Farsi: " we are all soldiers of Iran", on June 22, 2025. President Donald Trump said the US military carried out strikes on June 22 on three Iranian nuclear sites and that Tehran "must now agree to end this war", following days of speculation over whether the United States would join its ally Israel's bombing campaign. More
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US Strikes
The U.S. airstrikes targeted Iran's nuclear infrastructure days after Israel launched its own broad offensive against military and intelligence sites.
While Israel struck missile depots and command centers across the country, the U.S. focused on high-value nuclear facilities, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
Pentagon officials described the damage as "extremely severe," with B-2 stealth bombers deploying bunker-buster munitions to breach fortified targets. Tehran condemned the American strikes as a violation of international law and warned they would not go unanswered.
The Iranian health ministry has confirmed over 430 deaths so far, while missile barrages in response have killed 24 and injured more than 1,200 in Israel, according to Israeli authorities.
What People Are Saying
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi: "The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT by attacking Iran's peaceful nuclear installations."
U.S. President Donald Trump: "Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace."
What Happens Next
Iran's leadership has vowed further retaliation, while President Trump has warned that any Iranian response will be met with overwhelming force. As military tensions escalate, civilians across Iran brace themselves for more uncertain nights, caught in the shadow of a conflict with no clear end in sight.