As airstrikes hit Iranian cities, chaos envelops Tehran where residents scramble to escape the escalating situation. Among them is Meisam, a 41-year-old poet who felt compelled to leave the city amid growing unrest, driven by the noise of explosions and fear for his safety. He embarked on a late-night journey back to his hometown in East Azerbaijan Province, confronting long queues at gas stations as inhabitants poured out of the capital.
The situation has developed rapidly since Israel launched a surprise offensive last Friday, prompting Iran's retaliatory strikes against Israeli positions. The ongoing conflict has led to significant casualties in both nations, with Iran reporting over 200 fatalities and more than 1,400 injuries, while Israel has confirmed at least 24 civilian deaths and around 600 wounded.
Compounding the crisis, anxiety spiked on Monday when the Israeli military issued an evacuation order for northeastern Tehran, citing imminent attacks on military infrastructure. Disruption of internet and phone services means that many residents, particularly those without social media, may remain unaware of the latest developments. Gas stations are shuttering due to fuel scarcity, with those still operational imposing strict limits on supply, further exacerbating the distress as families escape the chaos.
As night descends on Tehran, a sense of dread hangs thick in the air, and many desperately seek any route that might lead them away from danger.
