Omid Golabkesh pulled his luggage through a lengthy corridor at the Kapikoy border crossing in eastern Turkey, nearing the end of a tiring trip that involved a 12-hour drive from Tehran. This crossing is situated on a mountainous part of the over 500-kilometer border between Turkey and Iran, serving as one of three key entry points from Iran and offering insights into the country, which faces severe internet restrictions.
Upon emerging into the sunny yet chilly weather, Golabkesh, like others, initially displayed caution towards the journalists and cameras present. However, unlike most, he openly shared his views, allowing filming and expressing his candid opinions in Farsi.
Numerous Iranians, including those at the border and those who had moved to Van, a Turkish city 100 kilometers away, spoke with CBC News over the past two days. They frequently mentioned feelings of fear, determination, and a longing for peace amidst the ongoing crisis.
Since Saturday, Iran has been under a barrage of airstrikes from the U.S. and Israel, targeting its military, defense systems, navy, and top political figures. On March 1, Iranian state media confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, casting uncertainty over the regime’s future.
Many individuals with dual citizenship or international ties are crossing the border daily, with some returning from abroad, as air travel to Iran has been restricted. Concerns over the domestic situation in Iran have prompted families like Sam’s to relocate to Turkey.
As tensions escalate, the internet blackout in Iran, state-controlled media, and limited journalistic access make it challenging to grasp the ground reality. Reports from the Iranian Red Crescent indicate over 550 casualties since the onset of airstrikes, with the U.S. military targeting numerous sites.
Amid the chaos, Iranians like the young woman in Van, who fled during the protests, are uncertain about the future. The death of Khamenei has sparked mixed emotions, with fears for loved ones in Iran juxtaposed with hopes for a regime change and a better future.
With the situation evolving rapidly, the desire for freedom and change remains strong among Iranians, echoing their aspirations for a brighter tomorrow.
