Iranians are grappling with fear and sadness following Donald Trump's call to evacuate Tehran, leaving the city's nearly 10 million residents in a difficult position. They must now decide whether to stay in their homes or join the heavy traffic attempting to leave the capital.

President Trump's directive came abruptly, sparking concerns of a potential escalation in the conflict between Israel and Iran. Many Iranians are sharing poignant images of their homes online as they prepare to leave Tehran behind.

Challenges of Leaving Tehran

Leaving Tehran has proven to be a challenging task for many residents. Traffic congestion and long queues for fuel have made the journey out of the city arduous, with some facing up to 14-hour traffic jams. Uncertainty looms over whether their homes will remain intact upon their return.

Despite the evacuation orders, some Iranians find it impossible to leave. Factors such as elderly parents, young children, pets, medical needs, or simply lack of options have led many to stay in Tehran, despite the growing fear and risks.

Tensions Rise Following Trump's Comments

Trump's evacuation warning was quickly followed by explosions and heavy air defense fire in Tehran. Iran responded with missile strikes, triggering air raid alerts in parts of Israel. The conflict between the two nations has resulted in casualties on both sides, with civilians bearing the brunt of the attacks.

As the situation escalates, many Iranians are left grappling with the uncertainty of what the future holds amidst rising tensions with Israel.

Source: BBC