Many Iranians are bracing for a return to all-out war as Israeli and US leaders sharpen their threats ahead of elections in both countries in the coming days, and as Iran’s leaders remain defiant despite mounting pressure.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces a close vote Tuesday, says Iran’s leadership must be eliminated.
US President Donald Trump vows to “finish the job” in Iran eight months after the war began, as a third aircraft carrier and thousands of troops make their way to the region. Some fear attacks just after the US midterms on Nov. 3.
The Associated Press spoke with Tehran residents who described growing anxiety. Some were preparing to leave the capital.
Iran’s president has accused the US of disrupting negotiations that have shown little sign of progress for months.
Fereshteh Hajipour, 35, the mother of a toddler, said she was stockpiling over-the-counter medicines and food for fear of a “possible war and bigger bombs.”
