Some residents in Iran say they are relying on anxiety medication as air strikes by United States and Israel continue, creating fear and uncertainty in several cities.

Speaking to BBC Persian, a woman in Karaj said the situation on the 13th day of the conflict remains largely unchanged, with tension continuing across the area.

She said more security checkpoints have been set up across the city and, although the Persian New Year is approaching, many shops remain closed, leaving the normally busy streets unusually quiet.

According to her, larger stores are still open and there are no major shortages of goods, but prices have increased sharply in recent days.

The woman said she and many of her friends have begun taking medication to cope with the stress caused by the ongoing strikes.

“The worst part is the uncertainty,” she said, explaining that residents never know where military forces or equipment might be moved, which could bring potential targets closer to residential neighbourhoods without warning.

She added that a friend living nearby recently experienced a strike close to their home that shook the building, shattered windows and caused electricity outages for several hours.

The continued attacks have disrupted daily routines and created widespread fear, she said, adding that even her pet cat becomes frightened during explosions and now hides in a small space she prepared inside a closet.

She also expressed concern about the country’s political future, saying many people fear that despite the hardship civilians are enduring, the clerical leadership may remain in power after the conflict.

With inputs from BBC