Dozens of Iranians enter Turkey via the Kapikoy border gate amid a severe crackdown on protests, with the US urging its citizens to leave Iran.
KAPIKOY: Dozens of Iranians crossed the border into Turkey on Wednesday as authorities in Iran continue a severe crackdown on one of the biggest waves of protest against clerical rule.
US President Donald Trump urged Iranians on Tuesday to keep protesting, stating that help is on the way.
A rights group has said 2,600 people have been killed in Iran as the government tries to quash the major wave of dissent.
ALSO READ: Iran protest death toll hits 2,571 as Trump vows help
Iranian families and individuals arrived in Turkey’s eastern province of Van through the Kapikoy border gate.
They pulled luggage and other belongings with them as they made their way through and boarded vehicles heading for nearby towns.
Those asked to speak to media declined, expressing fear of repercussions in Iran when they return.
Two diplomats told Reuters there has been an increase in the numbers of people crossing from Iran to Turkey.
This follows several countries advising their citizens to leave Iran.
However, a Turkish security official at the border said the situation was not extraordinary.
The official stated there was no notable increase in arrivals but that developments were being closely monitored.
The US has urged its citizens to leave Iran immediately.
A notice from the US virtual embassy in Tehran advised them to consider departing by land to Turkey or Armenia.
Tehran has warned neighbouring countries hosting US troops that it would retaliate against American bases.
A senior Iranian official said this would happen if Washington carries out threats to intervene in the protests.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stressed the need for talks to resolve current regional tensions.
He made the remarks in a call with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araqchi, on Wednesday according to a Turkish Foreign Ministry source. – Reuters
