2025 Iranian exodus from Tehran

2025 Iranian exodus from Tehran was an event of mass evacuation by the people of Tehran. The event took place during the third day of the Israel – Iran war. Following Israeli warning to the people of Tehran to leave the city, in the early hours of June 13, Israeli airstrikes began on the city. As a result the roads leading out of the city were packed with thousands of people trying to escape. This was regarded as an unprecedented event in the history of Iran.

Background

Tensions between Iran and Israel have grown ever higher since 2003, when Iran declared its Nuclear program. In the years that followed Iran declared that it strives for the destruction of Israel.^[1][2][3] In 2025, as the nuclear negotiation in Oman between the U.S. and Iran failed, Israel decided to eliminate Irans nuclear facilities.^[4][5] On June 13, 2025, Israel began its attack on Iran, combining airstrikes with covert ground and UAV operations on Iranian territory.^[6][7]

Evacuation and Civilian Panic

As the war began, people began leaving Tehran, as Israeli airstrikes targeted the city. On the third day of the war and following warnings to residents in certain districts of Tehran^[8] issued by the Israeli government and military, a mass evacuation began.^{[9][10][11][12]} The warnings were directed mainly for district 3^[13] and 18,^[14] to those living close to weapon production facilities and government institutes.^[15][16] According to reports and eyewitnesses, they were sever traffic jams on the highways leading north. Reports of fuel shortage and long queues in gas stations in Tehran and Karaj.^[17][18][19] As well as shortage of basic necessities in stores and internet shutdown, blocking access to social media platforms such as: X, Whatsapp and Instagram.^[20][21][22]

Government Response

In response to the mass evacuation and panic, the government imposed internet restrictions that only increased levels of public stress and suspicion.^[23] Rather than issuing evacuation orders, the Iranian government ordered the residence of Tehran to stay calm and not gather in large groups without permission. in some cases some provinces reportedly blocked cars with Tehran license plates to control how many people were coming in.^[24][25]

International Response

Following the start of Iran-Israel War the, UN Secretary-General António Guterres spoke against escalation in the Middle East, especially while talks about Iran's Nuclear program are being held.^[26] It was reported that the conflict caused some border crossings from Iran into Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan.^[27][28]

Humanitarian Impact

The War between Iran and Israel it is estimated that about 300,000 people fled from Tehran to northern provinces such as Gilan and Mazandaran.^[29][30] According to Iranian Red Crescent Society, more help and coordination will be needed as they deployed mobile clinics to assist the people of Iran.^[31]'

Aftermath

Once a ceasefire was achieved Tehran residents began returning to the city, causing heavy trafic on the main routes and roads of Tehran. Some described a feeling of relief as others were in shock over the destruction scenes within the city.^[32] It is noted that many neighborhoods are empty, and people are still shaken by the memories of bombings, being forced to leave their homes, and constant watching.^[32][33] The economy is weak as markets are nearly empty, while many people have lost their jobs, and poverty is getting worse.^[33] The government has made many arrests, and fear of being accused has caused people to stay silent. Even though most buildings are still standing, recovery is slow, and many worry the fighting could start again.^[32][33]

See also

• June 2025 Israeli strikes on Iran
• Iran–Israel proxy conflict