Iran Accelerates Mass Deportations of Afghan Refugees Ahead of July 6 Deadline, Spying Claims Emerge
Iran Accelerates Mass Deportations of Afghan Refugees Ahead of July 6 Deadline, Spying Claims Emerge
Iran is dramatically escalating its mass deportations of Afghan refugees, with hundreds of thousands forcibly removed in recent weeks as a July 6 deadline for undocumented Afghans to leave the country rapidly approaches. This intensified crackdown comes amid unverified reports in Iranian media accusing some Afghan nationals of spying for Israel.
UN refugee agency data reveals a staggering 230,000 Afghans were expelled from Iran in June alone, with daily deportations peaking at nearly 30,000 last week. In the first half of 2025, 1.2 million Afghans were expelled from Iran and Pakistan, with Iran alone accounting for over 691,000 returnees, nearly 70% of whom were forcibly removed.
Refugees like 19-year-old Hajar Shadmani, born in Iran to Afghan parents, describe harrowing experiences of being ordered to leave their homes and enduring harsh conditions at border crossings. Many, despite having lived in Iran for decades, are now returning to an Afghanistan they have never known, facing a severe humanitarian crisis and the oppressive rule of the Taliban.
While Iran’s conflict with Israel has coincided with the surge in deportations, the direct link remains unconfirmed by those expelled. However, state-run Iranian broadcasters have aired alleged confessions from Afghan men accused of collaborating with Mossad, claims that independent sources have not verified. Despite some Iranian voices speaking out against these narratives, the deportations persist, compounding the dire situation in Afghanistan where half the population relies on dwindling international aid.
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