Some Iranian citizens at the Kapikoy crossing on Türkiye's border with Iran have denounced the United States and Israel for inciting chaos in their country.
Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December over the sharp fall in the national currency, the rial, and long-standing economic hardships. The reported death toll from the unrest on both sides of the security forces and civilians is mounting.
As airlines cancel dozens flights to and from Iran, border crossings are largely limited to land ports. At the Kapikoy crossing, Iranians said that while they recognize the hardships that protesters are drawing attention to, they fear that foreign interference may be fueling the chaos.
"There's some unrest on the streets, but that's because of the United States and Israel. People are complaining about high prices and the rising dollar. That's why they went out into the streets. But there is a lot of interference from the U.S. and Israel," said Iranian citizen Asir Heseno.
Earlier on Monday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said diplomacy remained the preferred approach in U.S. dealing with Iran, though the Trump administration will not rule out military options if necessary.
Trump said Sunday that his administration is weighing "some very strong options," including potential military action against Iran, and that Iran was "starting" to cross the U.S. red line.
"The American president is talking nonsense. He wants to stir up Muslim countries. They want wars to break out between them -- in other words, for Muslims to kill each other. That's what I think," said Iranian citizen Ismail.
"The markets are closed, and shopping is difficult. The Iranian currency has dropped a lot against the dollar. Now, one U.S. dollar is worth 150 toman (1,500,000 rials) in Iranian money. That's why things are a bit difficult," said another Iranian citizen at the border crossing.
The U.S. Virtual Embassy Iran on Monday updated a travel warning urging U.S. citizens to leave Iran immediately amid the unrest across the Middle East country.
Iranian citizens denounce U.S., Israel for inciting chaos
Iranian citizens denounce U.S., Israel for inciting chaos
