Road Out of Tehran Closed Over 'Heavy Traffic'

Newsweek

18-06-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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A major route out of Tehran was closed overnight Tuesday as vehicles jammed roads following warnings by Israel and U.S. President Donald Trump to vacate the capital.
As Israel continued to bombard Iran, the Islamic Republic's traffic police said that the Chalus highway had been closed overnight because of heavy traffic before being reopened Wednesday morning.
Why It Matters
Residents in the capital have been fleeing the city since Israel's airstrikes started last week, targeting Iran's military and intelligence leadership it said was developing a nuclear bomb, although Iran denies it has such a capability.
Traffic jams are in addition to major disruptions to banking and internet services in the country, adding to a climate of panic among Iranians.
Vehicles jam a highway as a fire blazes nearby in the oil depots of Shahran, northwest of Tehran, Iran, on June 15, 2025.
Vehicles jam a highway as a fire blazes nearby in the oil depots of Shahran, northwest of Tehran, Iran, on June 15, 2025.What To Know
The Chalus highway is a major route that links Tehran with the Caspian Sea region. It was restricted to one-way outbound traffic overnight Tuesday, Colonel Ahmad Karami Asad, head of the FarajahTraffic Police, said, according to Tasnim News, a state media agency.
Highway 49, which feeds into the Chalus highway, had also been especially congested, and Asad urged drivers to follow traffic regulations and cooperate with police.
Social media videos and eyewitness accounts this week have shown bumper-to-bumper traffic on main roads out of Tehran as people attempted to leave the city.
Images verified by Agence France Press (AFP) showed traffic stuck on a major northbound highway from Tehran amid a scramble to reach parts of the country less affected by Israel's attacks.
The exodus came shortly after former Trump posted on Truth Social for people to evacuate Tehran amid Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear and military facilities.
On Monday, Israel also issued specific evacuation warnings to residents in the north of the capital, including District 3, which is home to embassies and government buildings.
Authorities have opened metro stations and schools as makeshift shelters from the bombardment and many shops remained closed and fuel rationing began, with long lines at gas stations.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump, on Truth Social: "Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran."
Colonel Ahmad Karami Asad, head of the Farajah Traffic Police, per Tasnim News: "We ask our dear drivers to comply with traffic regulations and cooperate with traffic police officers to maintain safety and smooth traffic on this mountainous route."
What Happens Next
With the Chalus highway and other major routes reopened, Iranian authorities continue to monitor traffic and public safety amid growing concern among those who are left without cash, connectivity or a clear way out.