At the border crossing between Armenia and Iran, a growing influx of Iranian nationals are seeking refuge from the escalating violence between Iran and Israel. Amid fears and uncertainty, many are leaving their homeland, with reports of conflict-related casualties rising sharply.
Iranians Flee to Armenia Amid Escalating Conflict with Israel
Iranians Flee to Armenia Amid Escalating Conflict with Israel
An increasing number of Iranians are crossing into Armenia as tensions rise from ongoing hostilities with Israel, leaving many families fractured and seeking safety.
Amid the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, a growing number of Iranians are heading to the Agarak border crossing to seek refuge in Armenia. The harsh, arid landscape of the border area reflects the dire circumstances prompting their exodus. Families, including a young couple with a baby, wait anxiously as they negotiate transport options to Yerevan, while others express their fears amid the ongoing violence.
The current hostilities, now in their eighth day, erupted on June 13 after Israeli airstrikes targeted both nuclear facilities and civilian areas within Iran. According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), the conflict has resulted in the deaths of at least 657 individuals. In retaliation, Iran has launched missile strikes on Israeli territory, with at least 24 fatalities reported.
In recent days, major cities in Iran have experienced significant traffic congestion as residents attempt to escape the conflict. Those who traveled from Tehran shared testimonies of the turmoil they witnessed, with many describing their harrowing journeys lasting upwards of 12 hours. One young Afghan refugee noted the nightly bombings that made sleeping nearly impossible, leading many to flee at great personal risk.
As families rush to leave, some who visit Iran for summer vacations find themselves returning home far earlier than anticipated. A young woman, shocked by the violence, expressed her distress as she boarded a vehicle to Yerevan, underlining the emotional toll of living under siege.
In contrast, some Iranians traveling back to Tehran after holidaying in Armenia remain unfazed by the situation. One traveler voiced indifference towards the ongoing strikes, emphasizing a sense of loyalty to his homeland despite the perilous circumstances.
Meanwhile, discussions in Israel among officials speculate about the potential for Iran’s regime change, although those fleeing indicated skepticism regarding such outcomes. The air of uncertainty and fear grips those making the dangerous trip into Armenia, as Iranians on both sides of the border grapple with unsettling realities of conflict and displacement.
