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Türkiye has rejected claims circulating on social media suggesting that a wave of irregular migration has begun from Iran following Israel's recent attacks on Iran.
Tensions between Israel and Iran escalated sharply after Israeli airstrikes targeted Iranian military assets last week. Following the confrontation, several social media posts falsely claimed that a wave of Iranian citizens had begun gathering at the Türkiye-Iran border near Van.
However, authorities confirmed that cross-border movements remain steady, with no sign of abnormal activity or increased irregular migration.
The Presidential Directorate of Communications' Center for Combating Disinformation (DMM) issued a formal statement refuting allegations that irregular migration had intensified along the Türkiye-Iran border. According to the DMM, the rumors stem from manipulated social media content aiming to incite public unrest and xenophobia in the wake of the Israel-Iran conflict.
The DMM added that Türkiye's border regions are protected by advanced physical and electronic security systems, including security walls, thermal imaging cameras, electro-optical towers, lighting systems, armored surveillance vehicles, and elevator-mounted towers. These systems operate on a 24/7 basis, preventing any unauthorized border crossings.
The Interior Ministry also confirmed that there has been no unusual movement or concentration of people along the eastern border, emphasizing that security units remain vigilant and fully equipped to detect and block any attempts at illegal entry.
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc announced that legal proceedings had been initiated against individuals sharing provocative content online, particularly those implying an influx of Iranian migrants into Türkiye. In a statement posted to social media, Tunc underlined that such posts were designed to mislead the public and provoke outrage during a period of regional volatility.
He noted that the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office had launched a formal investigation into the relevant social media accounts and reiterated that content aiming to disturb public peace would not be tolerated.
On the other hand, a limited congestion related solely to customs procedures has been reported at Türkiye’s Esendere border gate with Iran. Operations at the customs checkpoint have slowed down, resulting in a truck queue stretching approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles). Drivers stated that processing delays are causing significant disruptions and extended waiting times.
As an additional precaution during the period of heightened regional security concerns, crossings are currently limited to Turkish citizens returning from Iran and Iranian citizens returning from Türkiye. This policy has led to a temporary and localized buildup, particularly involving Turkish nationals seeking to re-enter the country from Iran.
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