As the Israel-Iran conflict escalated into its fifth day on June 17, 2025, over 600 foreign nationals from 17 countries, including Pakistan, Thailand, Germany, and India, crossed into Azerbaijan to escape the violence in Iran.
The exodus was triggered by Israel’s airstrikes, which began on June 13, targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, ballistic missile sites, and the IRIB headquarters in Tehran. Azerbaijan’s State Border Service reported a surge in border crossings at Astara and Bilasuvar, with evacuees citing fears of further escalation.
The conflict has resulted in 224 deaths in Iran, mostly civilians, and 24 in Israel, with highways out of Tehran overwhelmed by residents fleeing the capital. Azerbaijan has established temporary shelters and is working with international embassies to facilitate safe passage. Other countries, including Turkey and Russia, have also reported increased evacuation requests.
The United Nations has expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis, urging both Israel and Iran to protect civilian lives and infrastructure. The mass flight underscores the growing regional instability, with fears of a wider conflict involving other powers.