Tehran Faces Mass Exodus Amid Israeli Airstrikes
In the wake of escalating Israeli aerial assaults, tens of thousands of Tehran residents are abandoning the Iranian capital, sparking major traffic congestion on northern routes. Social media posts on Monday depict nearly gridlocked highways as civilians scramble to escape the city.
Overwhelmed Highways Highlight Urgency to Flee
Verified images from an overpass reveal heavy traffic on Highway 49, which connects Tehran with the Caspian coastal region of Mazandaran province approximately 150 kilometers to the north. Normally a three-hour drive, the mountainous route has become a bottleneck with vehicles barely moving while the opposite lane remains nearly empty.
This northern region is favored by many Tehranis for its cooler climate and holiday homes, offering a safer refuge away from the recent attacks.
Civil Airspace Closed, Fuel Rushed Amid Flight Halt
Iranian authorities have closed civilian airspace indefinitely due to ongoing threats, cutting off air travel options. This has forced residents to rely solely on roadways for evacuation. Photographs also show lengthy queues at petrol stations in Tehran and its satellite city Karaj, where drivers top up fuel ahead of uncertain, lengthy journeys.
Casualties and Retaliation Deepen Tensions
The Israeli air campaign, which began on Friday targeting sites across Iran, aims to thwart the nation's nuclear ambitions—a claim Iran denies. So far, Iranian officials report at least 224 fatalities, including military leaders, nuclear scientists, and civilians.
Iran has retaliated with strikes against Israeli targets, with Israeli authorities confirming about 24 deaths so far amid the tit-for-tat escalation.
Warnings Amid Heightened Security Measures
Israeli officials have cautioned Iranian civilians to avoid military areas, particularly in Tehran, where security forces maintain a visible and covert presence. The uncertainty of the situation has pushed many to seek safety beyond the capital.
Border Crossing Pressure Grows
Though air travel remains suspended, land border crossings remain available. Clips circulating on social media—yet to be independently confirmed—show hundreds queued at the Bazargan crossing in western Iran near Turkey, suggesting many are attempting to flee the country entirely.
Key Takeaways:
- Thousands are fleeing Tehran amid Israeli airstrikes.
- Highway 49 northbound is severely congested as residents rush to escape.
- Iranian airspace is closed, focusing evacuations on land routes.
- The death toll reported by Iranian authorities has reached over 200.
- Retaliatory strikes by Iran have caused casualties in Israel.
The situation remains highly fluid, with the capital bearing the brunt of attacks and citizens urgently seeking safety outside the city limits.
