Turkey and the Islamic Republic of Iran have mutually suspended day-trip passenger crossings at their shared land border gates, Turkey’s Trade Minister Ömer Bolat announced on Monday March 2, 2026, amid the ongoing Israeli and United States military strikes on Iran that have escalated tensions across the region, foreign media report.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Bolat said that same-day passenger crossings at the three main customs gates on the Turkey-Iran border have been halted by mutual agreement while the broader security situation remains fragile. The decision affects travellers who normally cross the frontier for short visits but does not apply to longer stays or cargo transportation, which continues under regulated conditions.

The border gates affected include Esendere, Kapıköy and Gürbulak, which link eastern Turkey with north-western Iran. While commercial freight traffic remains open, passenger movement in both directions is temporarily suspended, a move authorities said is intended to minimise pressure on border security agencies and prevent unnecessary exposure to risks amid the heightened military activity.

Turkish officials noted that there is no “extraordinary situation” at the border itself but described the measures as a precaution as regional tensions continue to escalate following strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian territory, which have prompted warnings and responses from Tehran’s allies.

The suspension of day-trip crossings comes as Turkey and other neighbouring countries grapple with the humanitarian and logistical impacts of the conflict in the Middle East. Reports from border provinces such as Van indicate a slowdown in cross-border activity and a rise in uncertainty among travellers, especially Iranian nationals seeking to reach Turkey’s eastern provinces.

Officials in Ankara have urged affected citizens to stay informed about further developments and follow guidance from both Turkish and Iranian authorities as the situation evolves.