By John Moses
As tensions between Iran and Israel reach alarming new heights, thousands of residents are fleeing Tehran, fearing further escalation in the wake of Israeli airstrikes and dire warnings from Israeli officials.
Eyewitness accounts describe traffic gridlock on exit routes from the Iranian capital, with queues at petrol stations stretching for kilometres. While many roads are clogged with vehicles, other parts of the sprawling metropolis—home to more than 15 million people—have fallen eerily silent.
The surge in civilian movement follows a chilling declaration by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, who on Saturday warned Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, that Tehran could face devastating retaliation if missile attacks on Israeli civilians continue.
On Monday, Katz doubled down in a post on X (formerly Twitter), saying Tehran’s residents would soon “pay the price” for the strikes that have caused Israeli casualties.
The west of Iran—home to significant military infrastructure and bordering conflict zones—has seen intensified bombardment by Israeli forces since Friday. In contrast, many civilians are fleeing eastwards or towards the Caspian Sea region in the north, seeking relative safety.
Zadshad, a 35-year-old schoolteacher, joined the exodus with his family. Their journey from Tehran to the northern town of Rasht, normally a four-hour drive, took over 24 hours.
“Now that we’re here, it’s not much better,” he said. “Shops are overcrowded, food is scarce, and prices are soaring.”
The usually tourist-friendly region has become a makeshift sanctuary, but accommodation costs have surged dramatically.
Some, like one 60-year-old media professional, are attempting to flee the country altogether. He told reporters he had borrowed €5,000 to travel to Istanbul with his wife and son, hoping to reunite with their daughter and escape the violence.
“We’re just waiting for the roads to clear before heading for the Turkish border,” he said.
Others, however, are not so fortunate. A Tehran official attempting to flee towards Azerbaijan with his elderly mother was forced to return due to fuel shortages, heavy traffic, and her deteriorating health.
“We’re stuck for now,” he admitted. “But we’ll try again when things improve.”
