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Large numbers of Iranian nationals crossed into Turkey on Monday afternoon, according to a Reuters witness, as the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran intensified. Several arrivals described growing anxiety in Iran’s capital and long lines forming at fuel stations.
The crossings took place at the Kapikoy border gate in Turkey’s eastern Van province, where travelers emerged into light snowfall and headed toward waiting transport into the city.
Earlier in the day, Turkish authorities had announced a mutual suspension of day-trip passenger movements at the three Turkey-Iran border crossings. Officials said only Turkish citizens and third-country nationals would be allowed entry. On Sunday, travelers reported that some Iranians had been prevented from crossing.
Despite those restrictions, by Monday afternoon Iranian citizens were again seen entering Turkey.
One man from Tehran, who asked not to be identified, said conditions in the capital had become tense due to bombings. He noted that while ordinary residents had not been directly harmed, fear was widespread. He added that when the war began he tried to purchase household supplies, but stores were packed with shoppers.
Another traveler, Binali Kilic, an Iranian Azeri from the Qazvin region near the Turkish border, said daily life there remained mostly normal. However, he reported repeated strikes on military sites nearby that had unsettled residents.
“People are staying indoors,” he said, describing the sound of explosions from surrounding areas. While food remained available, he noted that obtaining fuel had become a major concern, with vehicles lining up at petrol stations.
Turkey’s Trade Minister Omer Bolat said earlier that Iran was allowing its own citizens to return home via Turkey. He also confirmed that commercial freight traffic at the three border crossings was continuing under monitored conditions.
Bolat added that Turkish authorities remained on heightened alert to keep border operations and trade moving without interruption.
With information from Reuters.
