As American airstrikes target ports and inland areas across Iran while Tehran responds against US allies in the region, the intensifying conflict has left many citizens worried they are caught in endless cycles of fighting and oppression with little hope of escape.

Bandar Abbas, located on the strait of Hormuz and serving as the base for the Iranian navy, has faced nightly strikes since the recent escalation started nearly two weeks ago. Soroush*, a writer in the city who anonymously runs a newsletter on rights violations inside Iran, spoke of a fresh routine for locals.

"We must come to terms with this possibly becoming our ongoing situation and it has helped because fear lessens with each passing day," the 37-year-old noted. "We worry less about what lies ahead since we are compelled to treat this as the fresh standard. No one will rescue us from the explosions or the regime's gunfire. Our minds have adjusted to accept this updated existence."

Those near the harbor now see loud blasts followed by extended electricity outages as routine over the recent days.

Mehnaz*, 39, relies on online access for her job and notes she was already strained by official internet restrictions that cut into her income.

"Power outages were common before, yet the duration has grown and I worry I can no longer count on my remote tasks. The fighting shows no sign of stopping and everyday conditions grow tougher with the blasts, blackouts and network blocks. It feels like true torment here," she added.

Another harbor area said to be struck by the US this week was Jask. Official outlets reported American hits on 100 civilian boats and an assault on the Bonji desalination site that cut drinking water for 20 villages.

Moein*, a Jask local, explained that while water flow returned, people remain anxious and readying for extended conflict.

"That sums it up. Temperatures climb and without water from these hits we risk heat stroke and dehydration. Flow is back for now, yet we prepare for more strikes by storing every drop possible."

A June attack on water sites in the coastal town of Sirik also left thousands rationing supplies and facing challenges with routine tasks.

Nik Kowsar, an Iranian journalist and water analyst based in the US, noted the conflict hits civilians hard and such worries do not signal backing for the nation's leaders. "Iranians can reject the regime and seek the IRGC's removal while still feeling shock at strikes that strip ordinary homes of water, power, medicine or earnings," he said.

"Targeting desalination facilities in Iran's arid southern zones is especially risky. When heat exceeds 40C, loss of drinking water can turn fatal fast. Striking the systems people depend on will not win Iranian support for the attackers. It might hurt the government, but regular citizens bear the direct cost and the nation faces harm that may require years to mend," Kowsar added.

Others who spoke with the Guardian pointed to Iran's severe rights record, with at least 400 executions reported since the start of the year, among them teens, foreign citizens, demonstrators and ex-political detainees. The Oslo-based Iran Human Rights group believes hundreds more await possible death sentences.

"The US administration will now seek payback for its staff killed by the regime and the regime will respond by seizing more teens and executing them in payback for the death of [Ali] Khamenei," Soroush said. "This marks only the start of further Iranian lives being risked for either the US or the regime. I feel deep sorrow and powerlessness."

* Names have been changed