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Azerbaijani soldiers are waiting at the Astara border crossing between Iran and Azerbaijan for people who have fled the conflict in Iran.
The ones who made it to the border are greeted and welcomed with water, hot tea, and food, including dates, biscuits, and sandwiches. They are then escorted to border control before continuing their travels, and eventually, they will be able to return to their countries of residence.
Reports suggest that most travellers are Azerbaijanis choosing to return home. Meanwhile, as of today, the number of foreign nationals leaving the troubled country stands at 50, including 18 Saudi Arabian diplomatic personnel, 6 Emiratis, 10 Qatari diplomatic personnel, 1 Italian, 4 Jordanians, one family of 5 from Tajikistan, 3 from Bangladesh, and 18 Chinese nationals.
Other countries that have used the corridor include Poland, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Brazil, Tunisia, and France.
Before any foreign nationals leave Iran it is mandatory that they obtain what is called, an evacuation code before they leave, this message is apparently not getting through to all trying to depart, as some are unaware of the process.
Extremely heavy traffic
Erol Erman is a Turkish national. He said it took him two days to get to Astara because the traffic was “extremely heavy,” even though the journey normally takes six hours.
“People are anxious and in panic,” he told Euronews. “Everyone is trying to get to shelters. Those who can leave, and those who have the means, are trying to leave the country. That’s the situation. It’s bad,” he added.
The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry has advised its citizens to avoid travel to Iran and encouraged those living in Iran to leave.
Altay Hacıyev is originally from Azerbaijan and was visiting Tehran for four days. He was happy to be back when he spoke to our correspondents.
“I’m coming from Tehran, but before that, there had been shootings. Still, thank God, we made it back to our homeland. The most important thing is that we are safe and unharmed,” he said.
He added, “We only visited (Iran) for 4–5 days. I had a ticket already back (to Azerbaijan). I wasn’t planning to stay any longer, so I returned.”
Local media have reported that buses were arranged and emergency services were on standby, and so far, no injuries or casualties have been recorded. Authorities in Azerbaijan have stated that they remain ready to facilitate any further crossings if necessary.
At present, it is unknown when the flow of people will stop at the Astara border, and those numbers will depend on the developing situation in Iran.