Iranians have described their lives as being “stuck” and overwhelmed by fear after three days of intense Israeli air strikes across the country.

“Everyone is trying to escape Tehran one way or another,” a resident told BBC Persian, adding that long queues at petrol stations reflected desperate attempts to flee the capital.

Since Friday, Israeli air raids have killed at least 224 people in Iran, according to the Iranian health ministry. The Iranian retaliation has left at least 19 dead in Israel.

Residents say the hardest part is living without any warnings or sirens to signal incoming attacks. “We just hear blasts and hope we’re not next,” one person said. Another compared the current anxiety to her childhood during the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, noting that at least back then they had warnings before bombings.

Young Iranians, who never experienced that war, are now facing the trauma for the first time. Many families are torn between staying and protecting elderly relatives, or attempting to flee to safer rural areas.

“We’ve all wanted to leave Tehran, but each of us has loved ones who can’t travel,” said one woman, echoing widespread sentiments of helplessness.

Internet disruptions have heightened isolation, making communication difficult. Adding to the confusion, Israeli military warnings to avoid areas near military installations have left residents unsure about safety. “How are we supposed to know where a military site is?” one asked.

Damage to residential buildings has shaken people deeply. Such scenes have not been seen since the Iran-Iraq war, residents said, with homes and neighborhoods now directly targeted.

“This isn’t my war,” another resident said, voicing frustration shared by many. “I just want to survive along with my family.”