Iran, US, Israel officials give civilians clashing directives as bombs drop

"In light of the continued joint operations by the US and the Zionist regime against Tehran and several other major cities, if possible while remaining calm, please travel to other centres and cities where it is feasible for you to do so, read a text message sent to the 10 million residents of Tehran by the government on Saturday afternoon."

"But in a video message released shortly after the strikes began on Saturday, he urged the Iranian people to stay in their homes and wait for a suitable time to rise up and overthrow the theocratic establishment governing Iran since a 1979 Islamic revolution. He framed it as probably your only chance for generations."

"All outbound roads from the capital were heavily congested with traffic from the morning, shortly after the US and Israel began joint strikes that targeting more than 20 of Iran's 32 provinces. Inside Tehran, people also formed long queues in front of petrol stations."

Following US and Israeli attacks across Iran targeting over 20 of its 32 provinces, Tehran's government sent evacuation messages to 10 million residents, advising them to relocate to other cities if possible. Simultaneously, outbound roads became heavily congested and long queues formed at petrol stations as families fled, many heading to northern provinces near the Caspian Sea. Government authorities emphasized maintaining control and ensuring food and fuel supplies. However, conflicting messages emerged from international leaders: US President Trump urged Iranian citizens to remain home and await opportunity to overthrow their government, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and opposition figure Reza Pahlavi released similar video messages. These contradictory directives compounded confusion amid ongoing internet shutdowns and limited mobile connectivity.

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