Tehran, June 18 (V7N) — As hostilities between Israel and Iran intensify with ongoing cross-border attacks, civilian casualties are rising on both sides, and fear is driving thousands of Tehran residents to flee the Iranian capital. The growing exodus has accelerated notably following a public call from former U.S. President Donald Trump urging Americans and others to leave Tehran immediately.

The situation remains dire as Iranian cities, particularly Tehran, continue to face the threat of aerial strikes. Long queues of vehicles heading out of the city were observed on major highways, while inbound traffic lanes appeared virtually empty — a scene captured in a verified AFP photograph that underscores the scale of the evacuation.

The image, taken on a northern highway in Tehran, shows a nearly one-sided traffic jam: vehicles packed bumper-to-bumper trying to exit the city, while the opposite direction stands deserted. Local residents describe a city gripped by fear and uncertainty.

“I’m leaving with my family, and I don’t know when we’ll be back,” said one resident, speaking anonymously for fear of reprisal. “We just want to survive.”

On the other side of the conflict, Israeli civilians have also been forced into crisis mode. Since the outbreak of mutual attacks, large numbers of Israelis are reportedly spending most of their days and nights in underground bunkers. Air raid sirens and emergency alerts have become a regular part of life in cities across Israel, especially in the north and central regions.

This conflict escalation comes amid heightened geopolitical tension in the region, with both countries accusing each other of initiating aggression. While neither side shows signs of de-escalation, the humanitarian toll is becoming increasingly evident.

International organizations, including the United Nations and Red Crescent, have expressed concern over the deteriorating situation and called for immediate restraint from both parties to prevent a broader regional crisis.

END/WD/RH/