Iranian Citizens Crossing to Turkey Remain Steady Amidst Unspoken Tensions

The number of Iranian citizens crossing the Iran-Turkey border has not significantly increased. According to sources at the border, approximately one thousand Iranians are still entering Turkey daily.

However, many people crossing the border are afraid to speak openly about the ongoing conflict and the regime in Iran, the BBC has reported. Some individuals claimed they were warned by government agencies not to speak with journalists.

Two individuals encountered at the border stated they received official messages on their mobile phones, instructing them not to engage in any conversation with journalists. Following such messages, most people are hesitant to express their views publicly.
An Iranian-Canadian dual citizen engineer working in the oil industry expressed fear of being under surveillance. He suspected his phone and conversations might be monitored and was hesitant to speak freely even after reaching the Turkish border.

A young man traveling to reunite with his wife and son in Istanbul said his life has been affected by the war. According to him, he stayed in Iran for work, but lost his job after his company was bombed. The young man also witnessed his car being destroyed in an airstrike. "Why am I forced to leave my country?" he said emotionally, "I have been crying continuously for the last two days."

He sent a message to US President Donald Trump, saying, "Please end this situation. Do not harm ordinary people."

The experiences of the Iranian citizens encountered at the border show how much ordinary citizens are affected by war and political tension. Most people are forced to leave the country in search of a safe life.