Mar 16 • 04:45 UTC 🇸🇪 Sweden Aftonbladet

Thousands of Afghans flee Iran: 'No protection'

Thousands of Afghan refugees are fleeing Iran due to escalating violence and lack of safety, returning to their conflict-stricken homeland.

Thousands of Afghans are being forced to leave Iran and return to their war-torn country, with many crossing the border daily. Afghan refugees report that there is no protection for them in Iran amid ongoing violence, specifically citing rocket attacks from multiple directions, which have intensified significantly over recent days. One refugee, Mohammad Kabir Nazari, who worked as a security guard in Tehran during the intense conflict between Israel and Iran in June 2025, described the recent attacks as being 'fifty times more powerful' than previous encounters.

Among those fleeing is Naeemullah Rahimi, who also worked as a guard in Tehran and sought refuge from airstrikes in a basement. He expressed that the deteriorating situation compelled him to return to Afghanistan after crossing the border through Islam Qala. The stories of these individuals highlight the desperate need for safety, as many have no choice but to leave everything behind and face the uncertain conditions in Afghanistan, where rebuilding their lives may be equally challenging.

Talibshah, another individual who did not wish to provide his last name, worked in agriculture in northern Iran to support his family before deciding to flee. His journey reflects the broader struggles faced by many Afghans in Iran, as ongoing conflicts force them to make impossible choices between safety and survival. The increasing number of returnees underscores the dire humanitarian crisis, as these individuals seek refuge from violence only to find themselves in precarious circumstances back home.

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