TEHRAN, IRAN – Fear and confusion gripped Tehran after former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning for civilians to “immediately evacuate” the Iranian capital, prompting thousands to flee the city in chaotic scenes of traffic gridlock and emotional goodbyes.
Trump’s dramatic statement came just before he abruptly left the G7 summit in Canada, intensifying fears of a wider war following Israel’s recent surprise strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites.
For Tehran’s nearly 10 million residents, the warning has become an agonizing dilemma: stay and risk further attacks, or flee and abandon everything.
‘I Don’t Know If I’ll Ever Return
Images posted by Tehranis on Persian-language social media platforms show quiet, dimly lit homes, with captions like “I hope it’s still here when I come back.” Many shared emotional farewells to their belongings, keepsakes, and pets.
One resident wrote, “I packed up keepsakes from loved ones, watered my plants, and hit the road. Leaving home is unbearably hard when you don’t know if you’ll ever return.”
Others echoed the same heartbreak: “My home has never felt this sad.”
With hours-long traffic jams and fuel lines clogging exits from the city, many residents are still trapped, forced to endure the mounting tension from inside Tehran.
Nowhere to Run
Some citizens, especially those with young children, elderly family members, pets, or health conditions, have no choice but to stay.
“Everything I’ve built is here… Where would I go?” said one pregnant mother of a young daughter.
Another woman, alone and fearful of the 800km journey to Shiraz, said, “If everything is going to be ruined, I’d rather my kids and I go with our home.”
Many, like Narges, remain in place despite escalating risks. She described roads “overflowing” with cars and nightmare traffic. The aftermath of an Israeli airstrike near her home earlier this week left her rattled: “It was terrifying, and so close.”
Trump’s Words Spark Mass Flight
The mass exodus surged after Trump warned Iranians to evacuate Tehran, following reports of new Israeli drone and missile strikes on the city. According to Iranian state media, at least 224 people were killed in Israel’s targeted attacks. Iran responded with missile barrages toward central and northern Israel, claiming at least 24 Israeli lives.
Despite Iranian restrictions on foreign journalists, Bizmart Persian and other news agencies have been collecting first-hand accounts from citizens via encrypted messages and social media. The mood is grim, uncertain, and filled with fear.
Boarding Air Force One, Trump told reporters his goal was “better than a ceasefire”, hinting at a decisive resolution rather than temporary calm. “A real end,” he said.
Daily Life in the Shadow of War
The ongoing conflict has disrupted daily life across Iran’s largest city. Explosions, sirens, and air defense fire punctuate the night. With no clear evacuation plan and uncertainty about what comes next, Tehranis are left clinging to hope and one another.
“I said goodbye in silence, hoping to return one day to my beautiful safe haven,” a young professional wrote, sharing a photo of her quiet living room, curtains drawn.
The city stands at the brink—anxiously watching, hoping the storm will pass.https://www.youtube.com/live/MWWSjuZ5YNo
