The Iranian government’s mass deportation campaign targets millions of Afghan nationals, many of whom have lived in the country for decades. Officials say the policy addresses illegal residency and national security, though rights groups argue it amounts to forced displacement.

Iran has cited concerns over espionage and unrest following its 12-day war with Israel, which ended on June 24. Authorities allege Afghans were recruited as Israeli spies—claims that have fueled anti-Afghan sentiment and mass removals.

Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said: “National security is a priority, and naturally, illegal nationals must return.”

Humanitarian Toll Mounts

The UNHCR reports that over 230,000 Afghans were expelled from Iran in June alone, with over 1.2 million returning since March—more than half of them from Iran. During the war, daily deportation rates surged to over 30,000.

Arafat Jamal, UNHCR representative in Afghanistan, described the crisis at border crossings: “They are simply bewildered, disoriented, and tired and hungry.”

Local business owner Batoul Akbari lamented the social cost: “It’s heartbreaking to see people sent away from the only home they have ever known.”

“Two Homelands” Torn Apart

Iran hosts approximately 4 million Afghans, many born and raised in the country. Mohammad Nasim Mazaheri, a student, told Al Jazeera the deportations had “torn families apart.”

Despite Iran’s denial of discriminatory targeting, civil society groups say anti-Afghan rhetoric is increasingly visible in political discourse and on social media. Humanitarian groups warn the mass expulsions will exacerbate Afghanistan’s poverty and instability under Taliban rule.