Archive · 2 Jul 2025
Afghans Deported from Iran Amidst Spy Accusations
After conflicts between Iran and Israel, Iran started sending many Afghan people back to Afghanistan.
These people had been living in Iran, but were accused of being spies.
This happened because of the war.
The UN is worried this is unfair and could cause problems, since many Afghans have already returned from Pakistan.
Back in Afghanistan, it's hard to find work or a place to live because the country is dealing with money problems.
Thousands of Afghans have been deported from Iran amid heightened tensions with Israel.
Deportations increased dramatically after Iran and Israel exchanged strikes.
Afghans reported being treated with suspicion and accused of spying.
UNHCR expressed concern about Afghans being scapegoated.
Returning Afghans face dire economic conditions in Afghanistan.
- Who
- Iranian authorities and Afghan citizens.
- What
- Mass deportation of Afghans from Iran.
- When
- Following strikes between Iran and Israel.
- Where
- Iran and Afghanistan.
- Why
- Due to national security concerns and accusations of spying amid increased tensions with Israel.
Iranian Government
UNHCR
Treatment of Afghans
Iranian Government
National security is a priority and illegal migrants must return.
UNHCR
Concern for Afghans being scapegoated and treated with contempt due to the actions of other parties.
- Estimated Afghans in Iran without Documentation (2022)
- 2.6 million
- Daily Deportations Before Conflict
- Around 2,000
- Daily Deportations During Conflict
- Over 30,000
- Afghans Returned in 2024 (Iran & Pakistan)
- Over 1.2 million
- Afghanistan Aid Program
- $538 million
- Afghanistan Aid Program (3 years ago)
- $3.2 billion