Increased Iranian Crossings into Turkey Amid Conflict

On March 2, 2026, reports emerged of hundreds of Iranians crossing into Turkey at the Kapikoy Border Gate in eastern Van province. This movement occurred despite Turkey's announcement that day-trip passenger crossings at the three Turkish-Iranian border gates had been mutually suspended, allowing only Turkish citizens and third-country nationals to enter. Witnesses indicated that some Iranian citizens were being prevented from crossing into Turkey, highlighting the complexities of the current border situation.

The backdrop to these border crossings is a deteriorating situation in Tehran, where residents are facing increased instability due to ongoing bombings. An unnamed man from Tehran expressed concern for his family in Istanbul, stating, "The situation in Tehran is already difficult... Everyone is scared." He noted that while normal life continues for some, the atmosphere remains tense, with crowded shops and a general sense of unease among the population.

Binali Kilic, an Iranian Azeri from the Qazvin area near the Turkish border, described life in his region as continuing normally, albeit with constant bombings in military areas affecting daily life. He remarked, "They've withdrawn into themselves. Everyone is in their homes," indicating a shift in social behavior due to the conflict. Despite these challenges, Kilic reported no significant food shortages, although residents are concerned about fuel availability, leading to long queues at petrol stations.

Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat confirmed that Iran was allowing its citizens to return via Turkey, emphasizing that commercial cargo transits at all three border gates continued under controlled conditions. He stated, "All our units continue to perform their duties on high alert to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of Turkey's border crossing services and trade flows."

While the Turkish government maintains that border operations are functioning normally, there are concerns among citizens regarding the implications of the ongoing conflict on their safety and daily lives. The mixed reports from individuals crossing the border reflect a broader anxiety about the stability of the region and the effectiveness of governmental responses to the crisis.

• “The situation in Tehran is already difficult,” — Unnamed Iranian citizen

• “They've withdrawn into themselves. Everyone is in their homes,” — Binali Kilic, Iranian Azeri

• “All our units continue to perform their duties on high alert to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of Turkey's border crossing services and trade flows,” — Omer Bolat, Turkish Trade Minister

The situation at the Turkish-Iranian border remains fluid as Iranians seek refuge amid escalating conflict in Tehran. The Turkish government's measures to control border crossings and maintain trade highlight the complexities of managing regional stability while addressing the needs of citizens affected by the ongoing crisis.