‘Smell of Death’ Hangs Over Tehran as Israeli Bombing Intensifies
As Israeli airstrikes continued for a third straight day, Tehran residents described scenes of chaos, fear, and devastation—punctuated by what one called “the smell of death” filling the air.
Nahid, a 25-year-old financial analyst living in Tehran, said her apartment windows began to rattle around 4 p.m. on June 15, when an Israeli bomb struck a nearby building. Smoke quickly poured into her home. “This is a massacre,” she said. “The bombs keep falling. Children are screaming. We fear many civilians are dead. The smell of death is everywhere—I can’t stop crying.”
Israeli air raids, part of “Operation Rising Lion” launched on June 13, have struck both government facilities and residential neighborhoods in the Iranian capital. According to Iran’s Health Ministry, at least 224 people have been killed—including children—and more than 1,270 wounded.
As the violence escalates, many Tehran residents have begun fleeing to rural areas. The Iranian government has opened subway stations and schools as makeshift bomb shelters.
“Unfortunately, Tehran and other cities don’t have dedicated bomb shelters,” said Mehdi Chamran, head of Tehran’s City Council. “We’re asking people to use tunnels and basements for temporary shelter.”
The intensity of the strikes—particularly Israeli jets flying freely over Iranian airspace—has shocked both civilians and Iranian officials.
“We don’t even know if mosques, schools, or subways are safe,” Nahid said. “What if they collapse? My sisters and I are trying to convince our parents and neighbors to leave.”
Panic spread as more bombs fell while people rushed to buy food and supplies before stores closed. “People are running and screaming in the streets,” said Reza, a 21-year-old university student. “It’s extremely dangerous to be outside, but we have no choice.” Long lines formed at gas stations as residents tried to fill their tanks and flee the city. Reports of car bombings targeting Iranian nuclear scientists only deepened the panic.
Mobile networks were disrupted, making it difficult for residents to communicate. ATM lines stretched around the block as many tried to withdraw cash, fearing worse to come.
Experts say the timing of Israel’s assault couldn’t be more critical for Iran’s embattled government, which is already reeling from economic crisis and civil unrest.
“This war has hit during one of the most politically and economically volatile periods in decades,” said Dr. Ali Fathollah-Nejad, director of the Center for Middle East and Global Order.
Soaring food prices and a collapsing currency have strained daily life for most Iranians. Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has tightened sanctions on Iran, including measures targeting its vital oil exports.
Fathollah-Nejad argues that mounting economic pressure and military threats have pushed Tehran toward recent nuclear talks with Washington. State TV in Iran continues to broadcast footage of Iranian missiles launched at Israel but remains largely silent about the damage inflicted by Israeli strikes. On social media, Iranians have mocked the government’s lack of preparedness—sharing clips of military leaders once boasting that Israel wouldn’t dare attack Iran.
Still, for some, the airstrikes have stirred a sense of unity.
“We used to hear rumors about regime change—especially from Israel and the U.S. It all sounds laughable now,” said Hadi, a man in his 60s from Tehran.
He added that even friends who previously opposed Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons are starting to reconsider, believing the country now needs them for self-defense.
“Many Iranians may criticize the government and its policies,” Hadi said, “but history shows that when attacked from the outside, we come together.”
Sources: The Guardian, Reuters
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