Residents in a Turkish border town have expressed mixed feelings towards an influx of Iranian refugees triggered by escalated conflicts, with some fearing strained resources, while others prepare to accommodate those fleeing westward.
On Turkiye's eastern edge, the border town of Dogubayazit is watching events across the frontier with growing anxiety. Just 20 kilometers from Iran, residents here fear they may soon be on the front lines of a new humanitarian crisis.
As the threat of wider conflict grows, so does the expectation that people may flee westward. For some in this town, it's not a question of if, but when.
"We are ready to host them. People are dying. We would open our homes and share our bread. As a border community - and as humans - we know what it means to help. War is difficult. If families come, we'll do what we can," said Hasan Elci, a local resident.
In Dogubayazit, a spirit of hospitality runs deep, shaped by geography and history.
"Our doors are open. Everyone says religion or race doesn't matter - we are brothers. If someone's in need, it's our duty to help. We've done it before. We'll do it again," said a shopkeeper in Dogubayazit.
There's no official number, but the fear here is real. After years of taking in refugees from Syria, many feel this town has hit its breaking point. Another wave of displacement, they say, could push it beyond its limits, both economically and emotionally.
"We were already devastated from the last wave. Look at the markets - people are struggling. If many come again, how will we manage? Where will they eat? Where will they stay? It's going to be very difficult," said a local.
"We're not ready. We can't even find work ourselves. If more people come, what happens next? Honestly, even we might have to leave. That's how serious this is," said Cetin Kucukkaya, another local resident.
Turkish border town divided as Iran conflict stirs refugee concerns
Turkish border town divided as Iran conflict stirs refugee concerns
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
