‘Pray We Make It Through the Night’: Iran’s Capital Under Siege

Residents of Tehran are experiencing intense bombardment as the United States and Israel expand their military operations against Iran's capital, a sprawling metropolis of over 10 million people where many civilians are attempting to flee while others remain trapped under attack. The urban landscape of Tehran presents a particularly dangerous scenario for its inhabitants, as the city does not separate commercial, government, and military zones from residential areas. This lack of spatial distinction means that when the coalition forces broaden their target list from initial missile and nuclear facilities to government buildings, state broadcasting offices, and security headquarters, ordinary citizens face disproportionate risks. Those who have managed to escape describe scenes of chaos and desperation at transportation hubs, while those unable to leave report living in constant fear of the next explosion, with some residents reportedly saying 'pray we make it through the night' as they take shelter in basements and reinforced rooms.