The bustling streets of Tehran have turned eerily quiet as businesses shut down and communication becomes increasingly difficult. With no public bomb shelters available, frightened citizens spend restless nights huddled on the floors of metro stations while the sound of strikes echo overhead.

As Israel's relentless bombing campaign enters its sixth day, fear pervades the capital city of Iran. Following the destruction of much of Iran's air defense system, Israeli warplanes claim to have full control over Tehran's skies. US President Donald Trump has even urged the city's 10 million residents to evacuate immediately.

Thousands have fled the city, facing hours of gridlock as they head towards the outskirts, the Caspian Sea, or even neighboring countries like Armenia and Türkiye. However, many vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and infirm, remain trapped in high-rise buildings, leaving their families anxious and uncertain about their fate.

Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 585 people and left over 1,300 wounded, according to a human rights group. Local media outlets, under attack themselves, have ceased reporting on the situation, leaving Iranians in the dark. With a lack of visible state authority, unreliable air raid sirens, and minimal guidance on how to respond to attacks, the population is left to fend for themselves.

Residents like Shirin, a 49-year-old woman from southern Tehran, live in constant fear with every call or text feeling like a potential farewell. The population is divided in their opinions, with some supporting Israel's targeting of Iranian officials, others defending the Islamic Republic, and some opposing the regime but still reluctant to see their country under attack.

Amidst the chaos, families are faced with the difficult decision of whether to stay or flee. Communication with loved ones has become sporadic due to disrupted internet access, leaving many in the dark about the safety of their relatives. The diaspora anxiously awaits news from Iran, with one Iranian American recounting the heart-wrenching conversations with his relatives who are unsure of where to go or what to do.

As the situation escalates, some families have chosen to separate, with individuals making tough choices based on their circumstances. A 23-year-old Afghan refugee in Tehran recounts sending his wife and newborn son away after a nearby strike, while others like Shirin remain in the city due to logistical challenges and family health issues.

Despite the ongoing airstrikes and the looming threat of further attacks, many residents find themselves stranded without the means to escape. The lack of resources, coupled with the daunting prospect of leaving everything behind, leaves them feeling helpless and trapped in a city under siege.

As Israeli strikes continue to pound Tehran, civilians are left to fend for themselves without the aid of air raid sirens or government shelters. The absence of a comprehensive safety plan has forced individuals to rely on their instincts and make life-altering decisions in the face of uncertainty.

For many, the fear of Iran's military capabilities is compounded by the fear of Israel's relentless bombardment. The sense of helplessness and despair permeates the city as residents grapple with the harsh reality of living in a war zone.

Despite their grievances with the current regime, many Iranians are wary of foreign intervention determining their fate. The conflict has stirred a mix of emotions, with citizens torn between their desire for change and their reluctance to see their country fall under the control of external forces.

As the situation in Tehran remains dire, residents continue to endure the daily onslaught of airstrikes with a sense of disbelief and resignation. The toll of the conflict is not just physical but emotional, as individuals grapple with the harsh realities of war on their doorstep.