Background on the Situation
Tehran, Iran’s capital city, is facing an unprecedented crisis due to a series of Israeli attacks targeting military and nuclear facilities. The assaults have resulted in at least 224 fatalities and over a thousand injuries, causing widespread panic among its residents.
Mass Exodus and Traffic Congestion
As a result, thousands of Tehran residents are attempting to flee the city en masse. This mass exodus has led to an enormous traffic jam on the main road heading north, according to images shared on social media platforms Monday.
Verified by Agence France-Presse (AFP), images show an immense line of stationary vehicles on the northern exit highway from Tehran, with almost no traffic moving in the opposite direction.
With airspace closed until further notice, this road has become the sole means of escape from the capital, which is under intense bombardment.
Security Forces and Military Infrastructure
Israel has urged Tehran residents to move away from military installations, but security forces are heavily present throughout the city, including residential areas. The congestion appears to be concentrated on Highway 49, connecting Tehran to Chalus by the Caspian Sea, as per videos from Irán Internacional, a Persian-language TV station based abroad, and those of known Iranian bloggers.
Chalus is located 150 km north of Tehran, and under normal circumstances, it takes three hours to drive through the mountains to reach this Mazandaran province city, favored by Tehran residents for its mild climate.
Fuel Shortages and Impact on Daily Life
In addition to the traffic chaos, social media also circulated videos showing long lines at gas stations as people scramble to secure fuel for their escape.
Israeli Attacks and Iranian Response
On June 13, Israel launched an unprecedented attack against Iran, targeting hundreds of military and nuclear sites with the aim of preventing the country from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
The Israeli strikes have resulted in at least 224 deaths and over a thousand injuries, according to an official tally released Sunday. In retaliation, Iranian missile attacks have caused 24 fatalities since Friday, as reported by Israel’s Prime Minister’s office.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is behind the attacks on Tehran? Israel has claimed responsibility for the attacks targeting Iran’s military and nuclear facilities.
- Why are Tehran residents fleeing? Due to the intense bombardment and fear of further attacks, many residents are attempting to leave Tehran for safer locations.
- What is the extent of damage caused by the attacks? At least 224 fatalities and over a thousand injuries have been reported, along with significant traffic congestion and fuel shortages.
- How has Iran responded to the Israeli attacks? Iran has launched missile attacks in response, resulting in 24 fatalities in Israel since Friday.
