More than 410,000 Afghan refugees and migrants have been expelled from Iran since June 24, 2025, following a 12-day war with Israel. The United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports over 1.5 million expulsions in 2025, with the Red Cross estimating a potential total exceeding 2.5 million by year's end. This follows decades of Iranian hospitality, but the post-war climate has intensified expulsions to unprecedented levels. Iran is also constructing a border wall and establishing a national migration organization to control irregular migration.

Afghan refugees, like Ahmad*, describe fearing expulsion and living in precarious conditions, working low-wage jobs and lacking bank accounts. UN Special Rapporteur Mai Sato and other human rights organizations condemn the mass returns as violating international law and endangering vulnerable populations. Iranian authorities cite security concerns and allege some Afghans were paid by Israel to carry out actions within Iran, claims supported by televised confessions of unidentified detained Afghans. However, Iranian parliament member Mohammad Mannan Raeesi disputes this, highlighting Afghans who have served Iran.

The expulsions have sparked public debate, with some Iranians expressing support online, despite a lack of official statistics on public opinion. Numerous reports detail mistreatment of deportees, including physical violence and the confiscation of belongings, even affecting some with legal documentation. While the Iranian government claims to target only undocumented migrants, Afghans in Iran face numerous restrictions, limiting their access to basic rights and services, creating an increasingly hostile environment.

Impact Statement: The mass expulsion of Afghan refugees from Iran creates a significant humanitarian crisis, raising concerns about human rights violations and the well-being of vulnerable populations. The situation also highlights the complex interplay between national security concerns, economic pressures, and the treatment of refugees in a post-conflict setting.