Draft:2025 Iranian Exodus from Tehran
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2025 Iranian exodus from Tehran began on the third day of the Israel – Iran war. In the early morning of June 13, Israel launched the June 2025 Israeli strikes on Iran. On the war's third day Israel's airstrikes focused on Iran's capital city of Tehran. As a result a large scale flight of civilians from the capital created huge traffic jams on the roads leading out of th city. The widespread panic, infrastructure disruption, and a wave of internal displacement recorded are unprecedented in recent Iranian history.
Background
[edit]Since 2003, Iran’s nuclear program has caused tension between Israel and Iran, as well as global concern. Following the failure of nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran, on June 13, 2025, Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Iran, combined with covert ground and UAV operations within Iranian territory.[1] The strikes targeted nuclear facilities, IRGC military centers, senior personnel, and missile production sites. Israel claims its main goal is to eliminate Iran’s ability to produce nuclear weapons. In the days that followed, Iran’s state media admitted that dozens of high-ranking IRGC officials and leading scientists were killed in the strikes.[1][2]
Evacuation and Civilian Panic
[edit]Following the airstrikes on Tehran itself, residents of Tehran began fleeing the city in great numbers. Their main destinations were the northern provinces of Mazandaran, Gilan, and Alborz.[2][3][4] This movement was accelerated on June 15, when the Israeli military issued direct warnings to Iranian civilians living near weapons production facilities, urging them to evacuate.[5][6] [7]
Eyewitnesses reported:
- Severe traffic congestion on northern highways.[8][9]
- Fuel shortages and long queues at gas stations in Tehran and Karaj.[8]
- Shortages of basic necessities in grocery stores and pharmacies
- Internet slowdowns and blocks on social media apps like WhatsApp and Instagram.[10]
Local journalists noted that families with children were particularly eager to evacuate, fearing further aerial bombardments.[10]
Government Response
[edit]The Iranian government attempted to minimize the panic, referring to the Israeli strikes as "isolated terrorist acts".[2] Simultaneously, the Ministry of Communications imposed temporary internet restrictions, which further fueled public anxiety and suspicion.[10] The government did not issue a formal evacuation order, instead instructing residents to remain calm and avoid “unauthorized gatherings.” However, some provinces reportedly restricted the entry of Tehran license plates in an effort to manage the flow of people.[8]
International Response
[edit]The United Nations and International Committee of the Red Cross called on both parties to protect civilians and exercise restraint.[11] Reports of small-scale crossings into Turkey and Azerbaijan by individuals fearing further conflict were documented, although no mass international refugee movement has yet materialized.[8]
Humanitarian Impact
[edit]As of June 15, 2025, humanitarian groups estimate that over 100,000 people have left Tehran, either temporarily or permanently.[8] Hospitals in northern provinces have reported an uptick in stress-related admissions. The Iranian Red Crescent Society deployed mobile clinics to major highway junctions and rest areas.[11]
See Also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "Institute for the Study of War". Institute for the Study of War. Retrieved 2025-06-16.
- ^ a b c Kalin, Stephen. "Israeli Strikes Sow Fear and Anxiety in Tehran". WSJ. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
- ^ Danaher, Nadeen Ebrahim, Caitlin (2025-06-15). "Fear grips Iranians with some fleeing the capital as conflict with Israel escalates". CNN. Retrieved 2025-06-16.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Parent, Deepa; Baloch, Shah Meer; Christou, William (2025-06-15). "'There's a smell of death in the air': chaos in Tehran as residents try to flee or find shelter". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2025-06-16.
- ^ "Israeli military issues evacuation warnings to Iranians near weapons facilities". Reuters. 2025-06-15. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
- ^ Danaher, Nadeen Ebrahim, Caitlin (2025-06-15). "Fear grips Iranians with some fleeing the capital as conflict with Israel escalates". CNN. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Residents flee Tehran after Israeli strikes hit across capital". www.iranintl.com. 2025-06-15. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
- ^ a b c d e "Israeli military issues evacuation warnings to Iranians near weapons facilities". Reuters. 2025-06-15. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
- ^ Parent, Deepa; Baloch, Shah Meer; Christou, William (2025-06-15). "'There's a smell of death in the air': chaos in Tehran as residents try to flee or find shelter". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
- ^ a b c Hafezi, Parisa (2025-06-13). "Angry and afraid, Iranians brace for more Israeli attacks". Reuters. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
- ^ a b "Israel-Iran crisis: UN chief urges calm after overnight strikes | UN News". news.un.org. 2025-06-13. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
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