ICRC releases audio of Tehran civilian describing Operation Epic Fury’s impact

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Thursday released an audio recording of a civilian in Tehran describing what it was like on the ground as Operation Epic Rage shook Iran.

The unidentified civilian said, “From our point of view, the war did not start 4 days ago. It started when we heard the first news about massing in the region and preparations for war. Now, while the war continues, we constantly hear explosions and there is no solution for this.”

Civilian said the frequency of explosions makes people so anxious that even everyday sounds can cause panic attacks.

“You can expect a loud noise at any time. This has made us so anxious that any loud noise, including the sound of a passing car, causes us to have a panic attack,” said the civilian.

Despite the noise of the explosions, the civilian, who said he was born and raised in Tehran, realized that the city had turned into a ghost town as people either fled the war or their movements were restricted to protect themselves from air strikes.

“As someone who was born in this city and lived in this city all his life, I have never seen the city so quiet,” said Civilian. “Some of the people in my city have left, some have stayed, they are trying to limit movements to avoid getting caught in the seemingly never-ending air attacks on the city. You don’t see people around. My city was a very big city and crowded. I’m not used to seeing my city this calm and quiet.”

The USA and Israel have been carrying out air and sea attacks on Iran since the operation began on Saturday. At least 1,230 people died in the operation in Iran Associated Press. Additionally, six US soldiers in Kuwait were killed in clashes.

A destroyed car is seen outside a building in the Shahid Borujerdi housing complex in southeast Tehran, which was heavily bombed by Israel and the United States on the morning of March 4 during Operation Epic Rage, seen in Tehran, Iran, on March 5, 2026. (Kaveh Kazemi/Getty Images)

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The ICRC expressed concern about the situation in Iran; This could lead to “devastating consequences for civilians”, the organisation’s chief said on day one of Operation Epic Fury.

“Military tensions in the Middle East are sparking a dangerous chain reaction that could have devastating consequences for civilians across the region,” ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric said. he said.

In a statement issued a few days later, Spoljaric warned that “the scale of major military operations flaring up in the Middle East risks plunging the region and beyond into another large-scale armed conflict that will overshadow any humanitarian intervention.”

“If urgent steps are not taken to reduce tensions and respect the rules of war, more civilians will lose their lives,” Spoljaric said. he added. “Civilians are already suffering the consequences of war.”

Following the explosions in Tehran, Iran, on March 2, 2026, a general view of Tehran was reported, with smoke seen in the distance. (Contributor/Getty Images)

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According to civilians, Iranians on the ground are worried about the future and wondering how the war will end. Another fear of the public is the possibility of running out of stocks.

“Materials are available in shops that are open and working. But what if the situation worsens or continues like this? Will the stockpiled materials be of any use, or will they be meaningless in the face of what may happen?” the civilian wondered. “It’s especially concerning for people like me who have to care for people who have medical complications and require special care. We’re under a lot of stress right now and we’re worried about seeing what happens next.”

Fox News Digital has reached out to the ICRC for comment.

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