According to the UN’s refugee agency, more than four million Afghans who fled conflict and persecution are living in Iran. But now, rising tensions between Iran and Israel are forcing some to leave again – this time back to Afghanistan.

Kabul

Large numbers of Afghan refugees are returning to Afghanistan from Iran as tensions and violence escalate between Iran and Israel. Many cite the proximity of fighting, loss of employment, and concerns for personal safety as reasons for their departure. Some returnees report mistreatment by authorities during their time in Iran and now face uncertainty and hardship upon returning home, often with no resources. Pakistani nationals, including students and pilgrims, are also leaving Iran and returning to Pakistan for safety, following similar experiences of violence and instability. The ongoing conflict continues to disrupt the lives of displaced people in the region, leaving many unsure if they will be able to return to Iran in the future.

Afghans forced leave Iran amid rising tensions

Islam Qila is Afghanistan's major border crossing into Iran. In recent days it has seen an influx of Afghan refugees returning to the country they left years ago. Each has a story on why they left Afghanistan and what's prompted them to pack up and go back. There was fighting near where we lived, missiles struck close by and we could see them flying overhead from the camp. Thankfully our area wasn't hit, but when the war started all the factories shut down. I lost my job and had no choice but to return to my country. Many Afghans fled war in their country following the US led invasion in 2001, as well as strict Taliban rule. Now with the conflict between Iran and Israel intensifying, they're seeking safety back in their home country. The war in Iran has changed everything. As the violence grew closer, we feared for our lives and had no choice but to leave early. Now that we are back in our own country, we've returned with nothing. No money, no home, just uncertainty. Families take a breather under open skies after crossing the border on a windy day. Many say they were mistreated by the authorities during their stay in Iran. After going through immigration, they're on their way. It's not just the Afghans who are going back to Afghanistan because of the war on Iran, but a large number of Pakistanis who are also coming back to Pakistan for their own safety. Hundreds of Pakistani students and pilgrims have also been crossing the border each day to reach Pakistan. I was in Tehran on a business trip for surgical supplies when the city came under attack. On the day I left, I saw drones and rockets in the sky and a nearby building was on fire. For my safety, I had to leave immediately. I am grateful to be back in Pakistan safely. As the war between Iran and Israel rages on, with daily airstrikes, both Afghan and Pakistani citizens are compelled to return home wondering if they will ever be able to come back again. Kamal Haider, Al Jazeera, Quetta, Balochistan.

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Moscow

Ukraine Invasion

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As Suwayda

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Atlanta

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Washington

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New Delhi

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Jerusalem

Middle East Conflict

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New Jersey

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Doha

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New York

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Global Tariffs

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Beijing

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Cape Canaveral

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Lexington

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Brussels

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Tehran

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Council of the City of Sydney

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Breakdown