It's truly hell here: airstrikes, repression and water shortages become new normal for Iranians

As the United States carries out airstrikes on cities in Iran, and Iran attacks US allies in the Middle East, many Iranians are worried. They feel trapped in a cycle of violence and repression, with no clear end in sight, as the conflict and a worsening human rights crisis continue.

Bandar Abbas, a city on the Strait of Hormuz and the base for Iran's navy, has been hit by strikes every night for the past two weeks. Soroush, a writer who secretly shares information about human rights violations, described the situation for residents as a new normal.

The 37-year-old explained that people are becoming less afraid because they are accepting this as their reality. He said, 'We are less afraid of the future because we are now forced to accept this is the new normal. There's no one coming to save us from the bombs or the regime's bullets. Our brains have tricked us into making peace with this new reality.'

For people living near the port, loud explosions and long periods without electricity have become common. Mehnaz, 39, relies on the internet for her job. She was already struggling with internet shutdowns imposed by the government, which reduced her income.

She said, 'We always had power cuts, but the hours have now extended and I fear I can’t rely on my online work any more. The war is far from the end and daily life is becoming harder under the bombs, power cuts and internet shutdowns. It's truly hell here.'

Another port city, Jask, was also reportedly targeted by the US. State media claimed US strikes hit civilian boats and that an attack on a water desalination plant left 20 villages without drinking water. Moein, a resident of Jask, said that although the water supply was back, people were panicked and preparing for a prolonged war.

'The heat is rising and if we lack water supply due to these attacks, we will die of heat exhaustion and thirst. Supply is back now, but we are now making sure to prepare for future attacks and we have to save as much water as we can.' A similar event in June in Sirik also caused thousands to ration water.

Nik Kowsar, an Iranian journalist based in the US, pointed out that the war severely impacts civilians. He stated that concern for civilians does not mean supporting the Iranian government. Kowsar added that attacking water infrastructure in Iran's hot climate is particularly dangerous, as losing access to drinking water can quickly become a matter of life and death. He believes that bombing essential infrastructure weakens the government but the ordinary people pay the immediate price, and the country faces long-term damage.

Others also highlighted Iran's serious human rights issues, with many people reportedly executed this year, including teenagers and protesters. According to Iran Human Rights, hundreds more face the death penalty.

Soroush expressed his sadness and helplessness, stating, 'This is just the beginning of more Iranian lives being on the line either for the US or the regime. I am deeply saddened and feel helpless.' Names have been changed for safety.