Fatemeh Sakhtemani,Azerbaijan,Malpensa”>
ROME, 2025-06-22
Fleeing Missiles, Finding Gratitude
italians who escaped Iran share relief and worry for those left behind.
- Evacuees recount the sounds of missiles and constant fear.
- Communication disruptions exacerbate concerns for relatives in Iran.
- Efforts are underway to evacuate more individuals via neighboring countries.
the experiences of Italians who fled Iran after the Israeli attack on June 13 are filled with a mix of emotions, but what is most striking is the sense of relief at escaping the conflict zone mixed with deep worry for those still in Iran.
Relief and Worry After Escape
“I am happy but also worried. The first nights we heard everything. Then we left Teheran. And outside the city, at home, the last night was really scary,” said Fatemeh Sakhtemani upon returning to italy.The 36-year-old architect had taken her 18-month-old son to Iran to meet his grandparents, only to find themselves trapped by the conflict.
Sakhtemani was among 24 Italians who fled Iran thru the border of Azerbaijan, arriving in Malpensa. “The last bomb I heard? That at the embassy, while I was waiting for the bus,” she recounted.
In Baku,Sakhtemani reunited with her partner,Salvatore Politi,a 42-year-old gynecologist from Parma,who had appealed for their safe return. Now, the lingering sounds of conflict weigh heavily on their minds.
Malpensa Airport: This is one of the largest international airports in Italy, serving the Milan metropolitan area. It’s a key arrival point for evacuees returning to Italy.
Communication Blackout
Like many Persians in Italy, Sakhtemani’s thoughts are with her loved ones, especially with communication disrupted by internet shutdowns and inconsistent energy supplies. “I have not been able to contact my parents. Everything is blocked, sadly. I am very scared,” she stated.
Student Perspectives
Pega and Shirin, students in Rome, echoed similar sentiments of uncertainty, especially after the U.S. attack. “I returned ten days before the first Israeli bombing. I continued to Turkey with my sister. Then she returned to our parents and I returned to Rome. I haven’t heard from her as Wednesday,” Pega shared, adding that many of her friends no longer appear as users on WhatsApp.
“I usually managed to hear my family once a day. We were planning a trip here. Since June 13, internet has been intermittent, up to the total block,” Shirin explained. She managed to receive an email from her mother only on Friday.
Impact of Internet Shutdowns: Internet shutdowns can severely hinder communication,access to information,and the ability of families to stay connected during crises. They also impact humanitarian efforts and news reporting.
Ongoing Evacuation Efforts
Many Italians and residents are seeking to escape through border crossings. According to the Foreign Ministry, the group that arrived today endured a nine-hour journey and a long wait at the border before being received by representatives of the Italian Embassy in Baku and taken to the airport. Another convoy from Iran is expected to depart next Monday, using neighboring countries such as Armenia, Turkey, and turkmenistan.
Those attempting to return from Israel must also reach the border. A charter flight from Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, will bring 140 Italians to Verona.
Beyond the Immediate Crisis: The Broader Geopolitical Context
As the situation in Iran continues to evolve following the recent attacks, the concerns of Italians caught in the crossfire are amplified by the larger international context.[[1]] the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel,along with the involvement of other global powers,create a volatile environment that significantly impacts the safety and well-being of civilians,including those with dual citizenship or family ties in the region.
The recent attacks, as reported, have prompted immediate reactions from various international actors. [[2]] these responses, along with the ongoing diplomatic efforts, directly influence the possibilities of further escalation or de-escalation. For Italians, the decisions made by global leaders are directly linked to their ability to contact loved ones and their safety.
Diplomacy in the Balance
The role of diplomacy in resolving the conflict is paramount. International bodies and individual nations are under pressure to navigate the delicate situation to prevent an all-out war. The comments from Iranian officials demonstrate their point of view on the attacks, especially those regarding the U.S.’s activities. [[3]]
The
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