Conflict fallout impacts Türkiye-Iran border, exchange rate surges

China

Conflict fallout impacts Türkiye-Iran border, exchange rate surges

2025-06-23 14:35 Last Updated At：06-24 00:07

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.

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