Iranians Brace for Potential Attacks Amidst Rising Tensions
Source reports published 25 Oct 2026, 3:14 pm – 26 Oct 2026, 5:36 am AEST
As U.S. and Israeli elections approach, Iranian residents are preparing for a possible return to all-out war, driven by heightened threats and economic hardship. The U.S. has drawn up plans for renewed strikes, while Iran threatens new targets and continues to feel the economic impact of a blockade.
What happened
- Iranians are experiencing growing anxiety due to U.S. and Israeli plans for renewed strikes against Iran.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to eliminate Iran’s leadership, while U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to ‘finish the job’ in Iran.
- Thousands of troops and a third aircraft carrier are being deployed to the region, with some fearing attacks after the U.S. midterm elections.
- Tehran residents are stockpiling supplies and preparing to leave the capital due to the perceived threat.
- Iran’s leadership, led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, anticipates continued attacks and is planning remedial measures.
- The U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports is restricting oil exports, exacerbating economic difficulties.
- Attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz have increased significantly.
- Iranian officials, including Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, accuse the U.S. of economic warfare and fomenting unrest.
- Political moderates, such as Mohsen Hashemi Rafsanjani, advocate for a deal with the U.S., but a former government official, Sasan Karimi, believes resistance will remain Iran’s negotiating strategy.
- The situation is compounded by rising prices for essential goods, with staples like rice and beef experiencing significant increases, and a currency crisis impacting Iranian purchasing power.
Original reporting
- New York Times World: Iranians Face Anxious Wait as Threat of Attack Looms
2026-10-25T05:14:43+00:00 - PBS NewsHour: Iranians fear a possible return to all-out war as U.S. and Israeli elections approach
2026-10-25T19:36:00+00:00