As the conflict between Iran and Israel continues to escalate, the Kapikoy border crossing between Türkiye and Iran, has already seen its spillover impact across currency exchange, telecommunications, and security, despite that the fighting has not directly reached the border.
The Iran-Israel conflict broke out after Israel launched large-scale airstrikes on June 13, targeting Iran's nuclear facilities. On June 22, as the Iran-Israel conflict entered its 10th day, the U.S. launched strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, dramatically intensifying tensions.
The fallout of the conflict has already been felt in the border areas. At Kapikoy, most of the local money exchangers have stopped accepting the Iranian rial. Only a few were still exchanging the Iranian currency, yet also admitted that the rial has already depreciated by over 20 percent due to the worsening conflict.
"Before the conflict started, the rate was 2,000 Iranian rials for one Turkish lira. Now it is 2,400 to 2,500 rials," said a currency exchanger.
Meanwhile, due to internet disruptions in Iran, many crossing into Türkiye need local SIM cards to contact relatives or book outbound tickets. With the surge of Iranian arrivals, SIM card sales have skyrocketed in the border region.
"Because of the war, many Iranians are coming here, and the SIM card sales are booming. I decided to set up a booth right here at the border to serve their needs so that they don't have to go to the city center. I think SIM cards will sell great here," said Fatih, an employee of a local telecommunication company.
In response to the escalating conflict, Türkiye has increased its military presence along the border, and the immigration authority has intensified patrols in the region.
At the border crossing, many Iranians expressed anger against the U.S., and called for unity of its people and fighting against the attacks.
"We condemn the U.S. attacks on Iran. We are Iranians and we will always support our country. Israel must stop attacking Iran, and the U.S. must not continue either," said an Iranian at the Kapikoy border crossing.
"This is (my) country, I love it. And you know that I'm out, (but) I'm willing to enter it at this condition. This is my homeland. I'm willing to go there despite the insecurity available there at this condition," said another Iranian.
Conflict fallout impacts Türkiye-Iran border, exchange rate surges
Conflict fallout impacts Türkiye-Iran border, exchange rate surges
Conflict fallout impacts Türkiye-Iran border, exchange rate surges
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
