Israel-Iran war: 330,000 flee Tehran as oil prices drop 4.2%
Israel and Iran’s lingering fight remains a subject of conversation globally. Photo Credit- Times of Israel
The ongoing military conflict between Israel and Iran has intensified, prompting approximately 330,000 residents to flee Tehran amid escalating violence, according to a report by Vanguard on June 17, 2025. The exodus follows Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets, with the Iranian capital emerging as a focal point of the crisis. Concurrently, global oil prices have dropped by 4.2% as markets adjust to the uncertainty, reflecting a complex economic response to the escalating tensions.
The mass evacuation began late Sunday after Israeli forces issued warnings of further strikes, targeting military infrastructure in northeastern districts of Tehran. Iranian state media reported significant damage to residential areas, with emergency services struggling to manage the outflow of civilians. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that the displaced number could rise as the conflict persists, with many seeking refuge in neighboring provinces. Local resident Ali Reza told, “We left with only what we could carry, fear is driving us out.”
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Israel’s military operation, launched on June 13, 2025, aimed to neutralize Iran’s nuclear capabilities, prompting a retaliatory drone and missile barrage from Tehran (BBC News). The US President Donald Trump, cutting short his G7 summit attendance, convened the National Security Council to address the crisis, urging a ceasefire (BBC News). Despite the heightened conflict, oil prices fell from $78 to $74.70 per barrel on the Brent Crude index (Vanguard), a 4.2% decline, as analysts cite reduced immediate disruption fears following successful interceptions of Iranian projectiles.
The international community remains on edge, with French President Emmanuel Macron indicating readiness for nuclear negotiations if a ceasefire is achieved (BBC News). However, the Israeli Defense Ministry has signaled potential further strikes, complicating diplomatic efforts. As Tehran’s streets empty and oil markets fluctuate, the humanitarian and economic toll of this conflict continues to unfold, with global leaders calling for urgent de-escalation.