Iran, Islamic Republic of — humanitarian situation

Iran experienced a nationwide complex emergency following an escalation of hostilities that began on 28 February 2026, affecting 30 of 31 provinces and 275 counties across the country IFRC. After 40 consecutive days of strikes, a ceasefire was agreed on 17 June 2026 between the United States and Iran through a Memorandum of Understanding concerning cessation of hostilities IOM. However, a resurgence of hostilities in recent weeks is placing renewed pressure on humanitarian access and threatening civilian and essential services IOM. The regional escalation disrupted air travel and regional connectivity, affecting commercial air traffic and prompting several countries to recommend alternative evacuation routes for their citizens IFRC. The crisis has generated significant humanitarian consequences extending beyond Iran's borders, particularly affecting Afghan populations. Since March 2025, when headcount slips for an estimated 2 million Afghans in Iran expired, the Government introduced a regularization and return scheme requiring assessments to determine eligibility to remain UNHCR. In 2025, more than 1.9 million Afghans returned or were deported from Iran, many not by choice. In 2026, a further 426,700 Afghans have returned as of 1 August, placing substantial pressure on border communities and reception capacity UNHCR. These large-scale returns are occurring in adverse circumstances and elevating protection risks across the region UNHCR. The hostilities in Iran and Lebanon since late February 2026 have caused significant harm to directly affected civilians while generating refugee returns in adverse circumstances to Afghanistan and Syria UNHCR. The South-West Asia Route to Europe has seen Iranian nationals among the primary nationalities utilizing this increasingly significant irregular migration corridor, alongside Afghans, Pakistanis, and Bangladeshis UNHCR. While diplomatic efforts have contributed to an overall reduction in large-scale military activity, uncertainty remains high and the situation continues to unfold against an already fragile regional context UNHCR.