Iran, Islamic Republic of — humanitarian situation

Regional tensions that escalated into military hostilities in late February 2026 have triggered a complex humanitarian crisis affecting Iran and neighboring countries. Following intensified conflict in Iran and sustained cross-border military activity, a ceasefire was announced on 8 April, though repeated security incidents including drone and missile attacks underscore its fragility (IOM). On 15 June, the United States and Iran reached a Memorandum of Understanding concerning cessation of hostilities, though the impact on regional mobility and humanitarian dynamics remains uncertain (IOM). Iran has simultaneously faced a severe nationwide flooding event since mid-December 2025, with heavy rainfall and flash floods affecting 25 provinces and causing widespread humanitarian impacts in both urban and rural areas (IFRC). The regional escalation has generated significant displacement flows, particularly affecting Afghan populations. Since the beginning of 2025 through 30 April 2026, more than 3.42 million Afghan nationals have returned to Afghanistan from neighboring countries including Iran, representing one of the largest cross-border population movements in the region since 2021 (IFRC). Approximately 2.1 million individuals in this cohort are documented returnees (IOM, UNHCR). Afghan returns from Iran and Pakistan continued throughout May 2026, straining border reception and assistance capacity at key crossing points such as Torkham (UNHCR). The humanitarian context was already fragile, with more than 24 million people across the region in need of assistance prior to the February escalation (UNHCR). Despite the security situation, humanitarian operations continue in Iran. WFP assisted 35,826 people in May 2026, distributing 383 metric tonnes of food and transferring $195,778 in cash assistance to vulnerable refugees in settlements, with operations continuing without disruption (WFP). ICRC delivered over 18 metric tonnes of humanitarian supplies to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, including medical items for first-aid disaster response and personal protective equipment for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear incident response (ICRC). WFP requires $19.2 million for the next six months from June through November 2026 (WFP).