As tensions rise in Iran, many citizens are fleeing to Armenia, voicing support for regime change. Despite mixed feelings about foreign intervention, the desire for change is evident among those escaping the turmoil.
Iranians Seek Refuge in Armenia Amid Calls for Regime Change
Iranians Seek Refuge in Armenia Amid Calls for Regime Change
A growing number of Iranians cross into Armenia, echoing sentiments of regime change amidst ongoing unrest.
In a rapidly evolving situation, a steady stream of Iranians has been making their way on foot across the border into Armenia, seeking refuge from the escalating unrest back home. One such traveler, Mariam, a pensioner, shared her sentiment upon collapsing into a taxi with her husband after trudging across a bridge spanning the turbulent Aras River that defines the Iranian-Armenian border.
"I've walked a long way and I'm tired," she said, reflecting the mood back in Iran, which she described as nuanced. "Of course, people are worried... but life continues. Supermarkets, shops, banks all work." Mariam expressed her belief in a foreign push for "regime change" from Israel and the US, mixing cautious optimism with uncertainty about the Iranian government's resilience.
The Agarak border point serves as a crucial and rare insight into the realities facing Iranians, especially with significant communication disruptions and bans on foreign journalism within the country. It's noteworthy that many individuals met at the border were dual nationals holding foreign passports, which likely skews the broader public sentiments.
Opinions on regime change simmered beneath the surface during conversations with refugees, ignited by recent US missile strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and echoed by voices from varied backgrounds. Despite a chorus advocating for regime change, there remains a segment of Iranian society that still backs its leadership, and perspectives on foreign military actions are divided.
At the Agarak crossing, where a blend of vehicles and people marks the landscape, a Canadian diplomat reported observing around 80 arrivals within the hour, underscoring an uptick in border traffic. This increase, while notable, is still not tantamount to a mass exodus. Many refugees preferred silence, harboring worries about their loved ones still in Iran.
Alenoosh, a 63-year-old émigré born in Iran but raised in Paris, emphasized the pervasive anxiety: "Everybody is afraid and everybody has had enough of the regime." Painting a vivid picture of turmoil, she noted harrowing threats and uncertain futures for those attempting to navigate the tumult.
One Iranian man, now residing in Germany, shared his intention to relocate his family to safety, advocating for a transformation of the government. "Everything is broken and damaged," he stated firmly, welcoming the prospect of foreign military engagement despite the risks involved: “My family… can die but it's war and for everything to change we have to pay something.”
President Trump's recent military decisions may have triggered pivotal moments for some, igniting urgency to flee. As political landscapes shift rapidly, the outcomes of actions taken by both the US and Iranian authorities will significantly influence the fate of individuals seeking sanctuary at the Armenian border in the days to come. The unfolding events signal an unprecedented turning point, with possible ramifications that could resonate far beyond the region.
