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Key Points
- Mehri and her family travelled to Iran for a family visit but found themselves caught up in the Iran-Israel conflict.
- With airports closed and flights cancelled, they were forced to undertake a multi-day journey by land through conflict-affected regions to escape.
- Despite registering with Australia’s DFAT crisis system, Mehri reports receiving only automated responses and minimal practical support during their ordeal.
“We had no way out.”
Around 3,200 Australians, including dual citizens and their immediate family members, have registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) seeking assistance to leave Iran amid the ongoing conflict with Israel.
‘It wasn’t just expensive, it was dangerous’
“I didn’t even know which border was closest to Tehran. I spent two to three days calling relatives, messaging people, and asking strangers online.”
An intense 12‑day conflict between Israel and Iran erupted on 13 June, 2025. Credit: Supplied by Mehri
Eventually, she made contact with individuals at the Iran-Türkiye border, who she recounted were “ordinary Iranians” desperate to leave.
“One driver finally agreed, but we had to pay four times the normal fare,” she said.
“We had no idea what could happen next.”
The border and beyond
“We crossed with just a small suitcase. Everything else is still in Iran,” she said.
The Kapıkoy border crossing between Türkiye and Iran. Credit: Supplied by Mehri
From there, the journey continued into Türkiye, first to the city of Van, which housed thousands of Iranian refugees and stranded travellers.
Mehri said her family was charged over $750 in airline change fees due to adjustments to the date and departure city.
‘We were alone’
Embassy staff took her family’s details over the phone and promised to follow up with them. “They never contacted us again,” she said.
“In Iran? With no reliable internet? It was useless.”
“At one point, I got an email saying I had duplicate accounts and should delete one. I was waiting for critical updates — not this. It just showed how disconnected the response was from what we actually needed.”
Australian assistance
According to a source close to the issue, the Australian government recently assisted five Australian citizens to leave Iran on a commercial flight from the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad to Dubai.
It is understood that more than 150 Australians have now received border codes for Azerbaijan, with more than 50 successfully crossing into Azerbaijan.
Australian officials support Australian travellers arriving in Dubai from Mashhad, Iran. Images taken on Sunday 29 June, 2025. Credit: DFAT
James Robertson, Global Head of Security at International SOS, said fleeing a conflict zone like Iran involves complex decisions and unpredictable risks.
His message to Australians abroad: “Act early, stay informed, and seek help as soon as it’s offered.”
As of late June 2025, approximately 3,200 Australians had registered with DFAT for help leaving Iran due to the ongoing conflict with Israel. Credit: Supplied by Mehri
Still in ‘survival mode’
“We can’t rely on Telegram groups and strangers to escape a war zone. We made it out, but thousands didn’t. I hope peace returns.”
