Large numbers of Iranian nationals made their way across the Turkish border on Monday as regional conflict intensified, according to eyewitness reports from the scene.
A Reuters correspondent observed the mass crossing at the Kapikoy border checkpoint, where new arrivals described a climate of anxiety in Iran’s capital and long lines forming at fuel stations throughout the country.
The border crossing came after Turkey announced earlier Monday that routine day-trip travel between the nations had been mutually halted at all three crossing points. Turkish officials stated they would only permit Turkish citizens and third-country nationals to enter, following reports Sunday that some Iranian travelers had been turned away.
Despite the restrictions, Iranian citizens began streaming through the Kapikoy gate by Monday afternoon, carrying luggage through light snowfall with snow-capped Iranian mountains visible in the distance.
One Tehran resident, who requested anonymity while explaining his family was waiting in Istanbul, described conditions in the capital. “The situation in Tehran is already difficult,” he stated. “There are difficult things in Tehran, bombings. Everyone is scared. But for example, normal people, nothing happened to them.”
The man explained he had purchased household supplies when the conflict began, noting that stores were packed with customers.
Binali Kilic, who identified himself as an Iranian of Azeri descent from the Qazvin region near the Turkish frontier, said daily life continued in his area but military targets were under constant attack, disrupting civilian routines.
“They’ve withdrawn into themselves. Everyone is in their homes,” Kilic explained as travelers pulled suitcases through the checkpoint toward waiting transport vehicles. “There were sounds of bombing coming from nearby areas that were hit.”
Regarding daily necessities, Kilic noted supplies remained available but fuel access had become problematic. “There are no food problems or anything like that. The only concern people have is getting fuel for their trips, near and far. There are queues at petrol stations,” he added.
Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat confirmed Iran was allowing its citizens to return home through Turkey, while commercial freight continued moving through all three border crossings under enhanced security measures.
“All our units continue to perform their duties on high alert to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of Turkey’s border crossing services and trade flows,” Bolat announced.
