Key Facts
• June 13, 2025: Iran intensifies crackdown on Afghan refugees after Israeli attack.
• 560,000 Afghans deported from Iran between June and mid-July 2025.
• UNHCR reports 3.5 million Afghan refugees in Iran by late 2024.
• Iran’s March 2025 program set July 6 as voluntary departure deadline.
• 1.3 million Afghans forcibly returned to Afghanistan since March 2025.
• Refugees accused of being ‘Israeli spies’ without evidence.
• Hate crimes against refugees rise, including harassment and violence.
• UN official Richard Bennett highlights media incitement against minorities.
• Afghanistan faces worsening humanitarian crisis; half the population needs aid.
Summary
Iran has intensified its crackdown on Afghan refugees, with over 560,000 deported in just six weeks following tensions with Israel. Accusations of espionage against refugees have fueled hate crimes and media incitement. The UN reports 1.3 million forced returns since March 2025, exacerbating Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis, where half the population requires aid. Iran cites economic struggles and infrastructure challenges as reasons for its actions, but critics argue refugees are being scapegoated amid geopolitical tensions.
