politics
April 3, 2026
‘Every night they are bombarding’: at border crossing, some Iranians are fleeing war and some are heading home
People leaving Iran for Turkey tell of impact of bombs and internet blackouts, while others are travelling the other way to be closer to relatives in peril
TL;DR
- Iranians are fleeing to Turkey due to nightly bombings and internet blackouts imposed by the regime.
- Some refugees express gratitude towards Trump for the strikes on Iran, believing it is necessary to remove the current regime.
- The Kapıköy border crossing has seen a decrease in movement compared to pre-conflict levels, with more Iranians returning than leaving on some days.
- Economic hardship, including lack of internet and job opportunities, is a significant factor driving people to leave.
- Turkey has prepared buffer zones and tent cities for potential influxes of refugees, though they have not yet been fully utilized.
- While some flee, others are returning to Iran to be near relatives, highlighting the diverse and complex impact of the conflict.
- The war's impact extends beyond direct bombing, causing stress-related deaths and widespread fear.
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