Tehran Faces Urgent Evacuations Amid Israeli Strikes

Tehran, with a population density similar to that of New York City, finds itself under grave threat as Israeli military operations intensify. The capital city’s approximately 10 million residents, comprised of nearly one in ten Iranians, face immense challenges following recent evacuation warnings. In a stark escalation of tensions, the Israeli military has urged residents of key districts, particularly an upscale area and a poorer neighborhood near Mehrabad International Airport, to leave as airstrikes target military and nuclear facilities.

With the streets of Tehran congested with vehicles as families attempt to flee, fears grow among citizens amidst a backdrop of uncertainty. On Monday, President Donald J. Trump echoed the urgency in a social media post advising the entire population of Tehran to evacuate immediately. As strikes continue across various Iranian cities, including Tabriz and Mashhad, efforts by the Iranian government to counter Israeli actions highlight the complex geopolitical landscape at play.

Elena Shao is a reporter and graphics editor based in New York.