Fleeing War Threat in Iran, People Cross into Armenia via Southern Border

The only land crossing between Armenia and Iran has turned into a lifeline for thousands trying to escape growing violence in the Middle East. As Israel and Iran exchange deadly airstrikes and threats of full-scale war, people of many nationalities—including Iranians, Armenians, Russians, and Indians—are flowing through the Agarak border checkpoint in southern Armenia every day, seeking safety, stability, or a way home.

What started as a steady stream of travelers has now become a surge. Officials at the Agarak checkpoint say that crossings have jumped to three or four times their normal level. Observers estimate that several thousand people are now arriving daily—up from an average of fewer than 500 in April.

For some, Armenia is a temporary stop. Others are trying to reach places like Russia or India. An Iranian man explained that he was simply passing through Armenia on his way to Moscow, where he has family and work.

But with the roads open and the situation worsening in Iran, more are choosing Armenia as their first point of safety.

Ethnic Armenians from Iran are also among the arrivals. Between 60,000 and 80,000 ethnic Armenians live in Iran, and many now face difficult decisions about whether to stay or leave.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan told Parliament on Wednesday that Armenia is helping not only its own citizens and ethnic Armenians but also foreigners fleeing the violence.

“This is an ongoing process, and according to our assessment of the situation, the scale will only increase in the coming days,” Mirzoyan said.

For those arriving in Agarak, the next challenge is getting to Yerevan or another city inside Armenia. Many complain that local transportation prices have skyrocketed.

Taxi fares are a major concern. Travelers report being charged between $250 and $350 per person for the ride north to the capital. One Iranian woman said a driver demanded $350 but then offered to lower it to $250 if she agreed to share the ride.

Others said the only cheaper option—minivans—is difficult to find, with long waiting lists or limited availability. Agarak is hundreds of kilometers away from central Armenia, making the journey costly even in the best of times.

Some accuse Armenian drivers of taking advantage of the crisis. “They have doubled or tripled the price of taxi services,” one man said.

The war’s impact is not limited to people. Armenian trade is also being affected. Long lines of Iranian trucks have piled up on Armenia’s side of the border, causing delays in imports and exports. There are reports of truck queues stretching several kilometers on Wednesday.

Earlier this week, Armenia’s Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan acknowledged that war in Iran was causing serious logistical disruptions. Iran is a key trade partner and transit route for landlocked Armenia, especially through ports like Bandar Abbas.

According to analysts, up to one-third of Armenia’s foreign trade depends on access through Iranian territory.

Despite the risks, Armenia has responded to the crisis not with panic, but with purpose. Yerevan has condemned Israel’s bombing campaign and called for an immediate end to the conflict. At the same time, it is quietly offering support to those in need, including non-Armenians.

Armenia’s humanitarian effort hasn’t made global headlines, but it is saving lives. The country’s role as a neutral and stable bridge in a region full of tension is once again on display—serving as a safe passage for people of all backgrounds.

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