In recent months, Iran has intensified its crackdown on undocumented Afghan refugees, linking the surge in deportations to allegations of espionage connected to the ongoing conflict with Israel. Detained Afghans share harrowing stories of mistreatment at the hands of Iranian authorities, who have accused them of being spies for the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad.
One Afghan, Ali Ahmad, recounted being brutally beaten after his arrest while living in Iran for two and a half years. He and others have faced confiscation of their belongings and threats of violence, which have fostered a climate of fear among the Afghan community. As Iran claims to host over four million undocumented Afghans, many are now fleeing their homes due to an increase in accusations that blame them for Israel's military successes in the region.
Analysts suggest the Iranian government is using Afghan refugees as scapegoats for their security failures during the recent conflict with Israel. Criticism has emerged around the government’s narrative, as many believe it is a tactic to legitimize their plans for large-scale deportations of Afghans. The unsettling atmosphere has driven over 1.5 million Afghans out of Iran, further complicating an already dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, which is struggling to accommodate returnees while under Taliban control.
Dr. Khadija Abbasi highlights the shift in Iranian sentiment toward Afghan refugees, from initial welcome to increased hostility fueled by state media accusations portraying them as economic burdens. This transition has led to a resurgence of hate crimes and worsening conditions for Afghans. As false allegations circulate, many Afghans are left without support and safety while navigating the increasingly dangerous climate in Iran.
The humanitarian crisis escalates as deportations continue, depleting Afghanistan's capacity to support returning citizens. While current conditions push many to seek refuge elsewhere, the Iranian treatment of Afghans points to a troubling reality where misinformation and scapegoating become tools for political narratives. The plight of Afghan refugees remains grave, exacerbated by historical resentments and new geopolitical dynamics.
One Afghan, Ali Ahmad, recounted being brutally beaten after his arrest while living in Iran for two and a half years. He and others have faced confiscation of their belongings and threats of violence, which have fostered a climate of fear among the Afghan community. As Iran claims to host over four million undocumented Afghans, many are now fleeing their homes due to an increase in accusations that blame them for Israel's military successes in the region.
Analysts suggest the Iranian government is using Afghan refugees as scapegoats for their security failures during the recent conflict with Israel. Criticism has emerged around the government’s narrative, as many believe it is a tactic to legitimize their plans for large-scale deportations of Afghans. The unsettling atmosphere has driven over 1.5 million Afghans out of Iran, further complicating an already dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, which is struggling to accommodate returnees while under Taliban control.
Dr. Khadija Abbasi highlights the shift in Iranian sentiment toward Afghan refugees, from initial welcome to increased hostility fueled by state media accusations portraying them as economic burdens. This transition has led to a resurgence of hate crimes and worsening conditions for Afghans. As false allegations circulate, many Afghans are left without support and safety while navigating the increasingly dangerous climate in Iran.
The humanitarian crisis escalates as deportations continue, depleting Afghanistan's capacity to support returning citizens. While current conditions push many to seek refuge elsewhere, the Iranian treatment of Afghans points to a troubling reality where misinformation and scapegoating become tools for political narratives. The plight of Afghan refugees remains grave, exacerbated by historical resentments and new geopolitical dynamics.
