Iran, Islamic Republic of — humanitarian situation

Regional tensions and large-scale population movements continue to define the humanitarian landscape affecting Iran and neighboring countries. Heightened tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan escalated in July 2026, with reported armed clashes, shelling, and airspace violations along their shared border, though major cross-border incidents eventually subsided while bilateral relations remained strained UNHCR. Concurrently, monsoon rains and flash floods affected Afghanistan and Pakistan in July, causing 184 deaths and 597 injuries, with damage to homes, water and sanitation infrastructure, and health facilities increasing public health risks and constraining access in parts of Afghanistan WHO. These combined pressures have contributed to sustained cross-border movements, with large-scale returns from both Pakistan and Iran to Afghanistan continuing throughout the reporting period UNHCR. The Iran-Pakistan border has witnessed significant movement, with joint monitoring by IOM and UNHCR tracking inflows from Iran into Pakistan between March and August 2026. Afghanistan's operating environment remained fluid through July as returns from both Iran and Pakistan continued alongside insecurity in several parts of the country UNHCR. The Asia and Pacific region hosted 17.6 million people of concern to UNHCR by the end of 2025, representing a 2% increase from 2024, including 12% of the world's refugees, asylum-seekers, and other people in need of international protection UNHCR. Emergency border response mechanisms remained active, with regular flow monitoring updates documenting population movements along Afghanistan's borders IOM. The security environment for humanitarian workers has deteriorated significantly. Violence by state actors was reported in 26 countries and territories in 2025, an increase of nine compared to 2024, with over 80% of incidents involving state actors (Insecurity Insight). Field visits to Iranian Red Crescent teams earlier in 2026 revealed the severe risks facing first responders, with Lebanese Red Cross volunteers in neighboring Lebanon observed donning protective gear before deployments, equipment that can only provide limited protection IFRC. These constraints compound challenges in maintaining humanitarian access and service delivery across the affected region.