Iran is currently facing significant backlash over its mass expulsion of Afghan refugees, linking many to espionage for Israel amidst rising tensions following a recent conflict. Testimonies from deportees describe harrowing experiences of abuse, with some officials reportedly using severe physical force during detainment. These brutal practices have emerged coinciding with a surge of unfounded allegations suggesting that Afghans are collaborating with Israeli intelligence.
The Iranian government, which has long hosted millions of undocumented Afghans fleeing war and instability, has adopted a stricter stance, citing national security concerns exacerbated by the regional conflict. The hurried deportation efforts have reportedly involved up to 50,000 daily returns, with many Afghans left stranded and destitute after having their belongings and money confiscated.
In the wake of these distressing reports, analysts argue the Iranian regime may be using Afghan deportations as a political scapegoat to distract from domestic security failures linked to Israeli incursions. Rising xenophobia and anti-Afghan sentiment throughout Iranian society have led to alarming levels of mistreatment, further complicating the situation for returning refugees as Afghanistan struggles to accommodate the influx of returnees.
Despite criticisms from human rights advocates, the Iranian government has made it clear that it intends to maintain this trajectory, leaving many Afghans fearing for their safety and survival as tensions in both Iran and Afghanistan continue to escalate.
