The recent U.S. attack on Iranian nuclear facilities has triggered strong reactions in neighboring countries including Türkiye, where many have expressed their anger at the U.S. involvement in the conflict between Israel and Iran.
Tensions have been heightened in recent days after Israel and Iran exchanged a barrage of missile strikes.
The conflict took another turn late on Saturday when U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. Air Force had bombed three Iranian nuclear sites of Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, with the strikes taking place in the early hours of Sunday local time.
Concerns over the situation spiraling dangerously out of control were raised in Türkiye, which shares a 560-kilometer-long border with Iran and is seen as a key destination for many Iranians looking to flee from the crisis.
On the bustling streets of Istanbul, emotions were running high after the U.S. attack on Iran, which sparked widespread condemnation from many local Turkish citizens.
"It's not right. When two countries are at war, a third country shouldn't interfere. That's my opinion. May God help them -- what else can I say," said a resident.
While the anger is palpable, for Iranians living in Türkiye, the pain is deeply personal. Many are struggling to contact their loved ones back home, and are becoming increasingly worried about their families.
"It's very difficult, its horrifying, it's such a tragedy. My family is there. I don't know anything. When am I going to see my mom again? Was this the last time I kissed my mom? The last time I embraced my dad?" said one Iranian citizen living in Istanbul.
Another Iranian who resides in Türkiye said it is the Iranian people who are ultimately paying the price and she believes the war could also be about resources.
"A bunch of people are fighting over our gas and oil and people are paying back [the price]. For the Iranian people, who are an amazing people, cultured, educated and they really do deserve a break and they're not getting it. Some think that this war might bring Iran prosperity afterwards, but that has never happened [after any other conflict]," she said.
In retaliation for the U.S. strike, Iran on Monday targeted the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar with missiles.
Despite fears of a further escalation, President Trump announced that a ceasefire between the two sides would begin around 04:00 GMT Tuesday.
The Israeli prime minister's office accused Iran of launching missiles toward its territory after the truce came into force -- which Iran denied, with Israeli ministers threatening retaliatory action.
However, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Tuesday that his country is ready to resolve issues within international frameworks and at the negotiating table.
US involvement in Iran-Israel conflict draws condemnation in Türkiye
US involvement in Iran-Israel conflict draws condemnation in Türkiye
