Fear Grips Ordinary Iranians Amid Rumors of Imminent U.S. Attack

Tehran, Jan 31, 2026 — Fear, anxiety, and uncertainty have spread among ordinary Iranians following widespread rumors that the United States could launch a military attack at any moment, prompting many residents to stockpile food, water, and essential documents.
Although no attack took place on the night of January 30, the psychological impact has been profound. Many Iranians spent the night awake, listening for the sound of explosions and preparing for the worst.
Milad, a 43-year-old engineer from Tehran who spoke to Middle East Eye on condition of anonymity, said he could not sleep throughout the night. “I was waiting for the attack. I stayed awake until morning, expecting to hear explosions. Nothing happened, but the fear hasn’t gone away. Now we are wondering what will happen tonight,” he said.
Similar fears were echoed by Sohreh, a 68-year-old woman from eastern Tehran. She said that during her usual morning walk in a nearby park, fellow visitors warned her that a U.S. strike might occur on Saturday night. While she opposes any foreign attack, she noted that some people appear to be waiting for it, believing it could bring political change. “People are frustrated after the government’s violent crackdown on protesters. They no longer know what is in their favor and what is against them,” she said.
In recent weeks, reports of U.S. military preparations have intensified public anxiety, making the prospect of war feel increasingly real. For many Iranians, the fear is compounded by fresh memories of last year’s 12-day conflict with Israel, during which they witnessed the devastating consequences of warfare.
Arju, a 32-year-old government employee, described a “silent panic” gripping society. “No one talks openly about how horrific war can be, but everyone is afraid. We are all waiting for the first explosion,” she said.
According to residents, many households have shut their windows in anticipation of airstrikes, believing that in the event of an attack there will be no distinction between supporters and opponents of the government. Out of fear, families are storing at least ten days’ worth of food and drinking water, keeping important documents packed in separate bags in case they need to flee, and ensuring exit doors remain accessible.
As rumors continue to circulate, uncertainty and dread dominate daily life, leaving ordinary Iranians trapped between the fear of war and the anxiety of what the future may hold.