Dozens of Iranians crossed into Turkey on Jan. 14 through the Kapikoy border gate as Iran stepped up a crackdown on mass protests. A rights group has reported about 2,600 deaths related to the unrest. Diplomats noted an increase in crossings after foreign governments issued travel advisories, though Turkish officials said arrivals at Kapikoy were not unusually high. Tehran has warned neighbouring states hosting U.S. forces that it may retaliate if Washington intervenes, while Turkey urges dialogue to reduce regional tensions.
Dozens Flee Iran Via Kapikoy Border As Crackdown Intensifies
People stand at the Kapikoy Border Gate, between Turkey and Iran, in Van province, Turkey, January 14, 2026. REUTERS/Ismet Mikailogullari
KAPIKOY, Turkey, Jan 14 (Reuters) — Dozens of Iranians crossed into Turkey on Wednesday through the Kapikoy border gate as Tehran intensified a crackdown on one of the largest waves of protests the country has seen against its clerical leadership.
Families and individuals arriving in Turkey's eastern Van province passed through the Kapikoy crossing carrying luggage and other belongings before boarding vehicles to nearby towns. Those who were approached by journalists declined to speak, saying they feared reprisals if they returned to Iran.
Iranians stand at the Kapikoy Border Gate after crossing into Turkey, in Van province, Turkey, January 14, 2026. REUTERS/Ismet Mikailogullari
A human rights group has reported roughly 2,600 deaths amid the unrest; Reuters attributes that figure to the rights group. U.S. President Donald Trump urged demonstrators on Tuesday to keep protesting, saying assistance was forthcoming, and the U.S. government has advised its citizens to leave Iran immediately—suggesting overland routes to Turkey or Armenia in a notice posted by the U.S. virtual embassy in Tehran.
Two diplomats who spoke to Reuters said they had observed an uptick in crossings after several countries issued travel advisories urging nationals to depart. By contrast, a Turkish security official at Kapikoy described conditions as not extraordinary, saying there was no marked surge in arrivals while authorities continued to monitor developments closely.
A man walks after crossing from Iran to Turkey at the Kapikoy Border Gate, in Van province, Turkey, January 14, 2026. REUTERS/Ismet Mikailogullari
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran has warned neighbouring states that host U.S. forces it could retaliate against American bases if Washington acts on threats to intervene in the protests. Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi and stressed the need for dialogue to ease regional tensions, according to a Turkish Foreign Ministry source.
Context: The movements across Kapikoy reflect growing regional concerns over the human and political fallout from Iran's unrest, including diplomatic warnings and travel advisories issued by several countries.
(Reporting by Ismet Mikailogullari and Jonathan Spicer; Writing by Ali Kucukgocmen and Daren Butler; Editing by Frances Kerry)
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