Iranian Exiles Share Harrowing Stories Amid Escalating Conflict

Iranian Exiles Share Harrowing Stories Amid Escalating Conflict

World For the past two days, CBC News has been speaking with Iranians who have recently fled the country, including those who were at the border, and those who had relocated to the Turkish city of Van, which is 100 kilometres away. CBC News spoke with those fleeing the country Briar Stewart · CBC News · Posted: Mar 02, 2026 6:13 PM EST | Last Updated: 10 minutes ago Play Listen to this article Estimated 7 minutes The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results. Social Sharing Omid Golabkesh dragged his suitcase down a long hallway marking the exit of the Kapikoy border crossing in eastern Turkey. He had nearly reached the end of an exhausting journey that included a 12-hour drive to the checkpoint from his home in Tehran. The border crossing sits on a mountainous section of the more than 500-kilometre border between Turkey and Iran. It is one of three places where people can cross from Iran and the gateway provides a window into the country, which is largely cut off from the outside world due to near-total internet blackouts. Like many who stepped out into bright sun and frigid air, Golabkesh initially appeared wary of the journalists and cameras gathered there. But unlike most, he gave his full name, consented to being filmed and delivered a blunt assessment on camera in Farsi.