The Astara Border Crossing between Iran and Azerbaijan is experiencing a surge in foreign nationals seeking to leave Tehran amid escalating US and Israeli military actions.
Azerbaijan announced Saturday it would open the crossing to facilitate the evacuation of its citizens trapped in Iran and to allow transit for foreign nationals. Reports indicate up to 500 Russian citizens may have crossed, with eyewitnesses observing large groups at security checkpoints.
A Pakistani family, including young Rameeza and her father Sadullah Khan, made the arduous journey from the Iranian capital to Azerbaijan, carrying essential belongings. Khan described intense bombardment in Tehran, expressing relief at reaching safety in Astara. Exact figures are unconfirmed, but an estimated 370-400 individuals, including over 100 Azerbaijani nationals and expats from nearly 20 countries, have been evacuated since Saturday.