Tehran Residents Begin Evacuating in Order to Save Lives

The situation is becoming increasingly unsafe in Iran. Entering the fifth day of the war between Iran and Israel, thousands of residents are beginning to move away from the capital, Tehran, to seek refuge. They are evacuating to other cities in Iran, and even to the neighboring country, Turkey.

Shirin Talebi's heart is restless. At the Gurbulak-Bazargan border point, she awaits the arrival of her children and grandchildren from Tehran. Talebi had crossed over from the city of Urmia to Turkey earlier on Monday (16/6/2025).

Iran shares a border with Turkey that stretches 569 kilometers. The Talebi family plans to seek temporary refuge in that country for one or two months. Several other families have already done the same since Israel began its attacks on June 13, 2025.

"I am here for safety. They are bombing. My children also have small children. I hope this ends in one or two months so that we can return to our country," said Talebi.

Turkey has allowed Iranian citizens to enter without a visa for tourism and to stay for 90 days. There are no official figures yet for arrivals from Iran. According to the Turkish Presidential Communications Office, "there is no unusual movement, congestion, or irregular crossings."

At Gurbulak, one of the busiest border points between Turkey and Iran, bus driver Ferit Aktas has just brought a group of Iranian citizens from Istanbul. He is waiting to pick up others.

Ten days ago, only about three to five Iranian citizens arrived to shop or travel in Turkey. "Now there are at least 30 Iranian citizens in my vehicle per day. They feel unsafe, so they are forced to leave," said Ferit Aktas.

Thousands of other residents have spread to other cities within the country. More people have been displaced after several districts in Tehran were struck by Israeli missiles on Monday.

Mohammad (45) sent his wife and children from Tehran to their hometown in southern Iran. "I cannot go because of my job, but I want my family to be safe," he stated.

On Monday, the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning to 330,000 people in central Tehran. Tehran is the location of the headquarters of television, police, and three major hospitals. The city is home to 9.5 million residents.

The fear has struck the residents due to the lack of adequate protective facilities. Although several underground missile "cities" have been constructed, Iran does not have bomb shelters for the public.

Iranian Government Spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani stated that mosques, schools, and subways are open at all times as shelters during the attacks by Israel.

Other residents are confused about where to evacuate. "We have no destination. Where should we go? How long do we have to stay away from home?" said Shahriyar (38), a resident of Tehran.

Gholamreza Mohammadi (48), a government employee in Tehran, recounted that his family is struggling to find accommodation outside of Tehran. His two children are so frightened that they cannot sleep every night due to the sounds of attacks, air defense, and explosions.

"There were no sirens, no shelter. We hid under the dining table," Mohammadi said.

The situation is also deteriorating. Food prices are skyrocketing every day. Mohammadi is even unable to withdraw cash from ATMs or banks. "I am desperate," he said.

Other residents reported that banks are limiting the amount of cash withdrawals, ranging from 32 to 160 US dollars (approximately Rp 521,000 to 2.6 million). This regulation is aimed at maintaining the supply of cash.

Residents who have already evacuated emphasize the same point. Arshia (29), an art teacher, stated that his family went to the city of Damavand until the conflict ends. Damavand is located about 50 km east of Tehran.

"My parents are scared. Every night there are attacks, there are no air raid sirens and no shelter," Arshia said.

The number of fatalities in Iran has reached at least 224, comprising 90 percent civilians. In Israel, 24 civilians have died as a result of retaliatory missile attacks from Iran.

The government assures the public that the stock of food and medicines is sufficient. However, panic has occurred. People are hoarding food, water, medicines, and gas cylinders for cooking.

Zeynab (67), a retired bank employee in Tehran, admitted that she no longer trusts the authorities. Iran had previously claimed that Israel would not dare to attack. Reality, however, states otherwise.

"I have children and grandchildren. We must stockpile supplies. No one knows what will happen and when this war will end," said Zeynab.

Ramin (48), the owner of a pharmacy, is inundated with customers. "People are stockpiling medications, especially the elderly who are worried that their essential supplies will become scarce due to the war," he said.

As Iran's neighbor, Turkey will also be affected by the Iran-Israel war. When calling United States President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan offered to act as a "facilitator." Erdogan aims to help end the war while also resuming the stalled US-Iran nuclear negotiations.

"Israel, which attacks Iran with unlimited support from the West, destroys Gaza, and oppresses every country in the region, is unaware of what it is doing. Perhaps Israel will realize its mistakes in the future, but we fear that by then it will be too late," said Erdogan.

(AP/Reuters)