Over 256,000 Afghans Forcibly Deported From Iran in June After 12-Day Iran-Israel Conflict, Taliban Reports 300,000 Returns in 12 Days

In June 2025, more than 256,000 Afghan migrants left Iran, with the majority being forcibly deported, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This unprecedented surge in returns was driven by a government-imposed deadline set by Tehran requiring undocumented Afghan migrants to leave Iran by July 6. The deportations intensified following Iran's recent 12-day conflict with Israel, which heightened security concerns and led to accusations of spying against Afghan migrants. Over the past 12 days alone, more than 300,000 Afghans crossed back into Afghanistan through the Islam Qala border in Herat Province, as reported by the Taliban.

Iranian authorities have deported approximately 490,000 undocumented Afghan migrants over the last 100 days. The rapid influx has placed severe strain on Afghanistan's border infrastructure and humanitarian aid systems, with the IOM warning of critical funding gaps that limit assistance to only 10 percent of those in need. Iranian officials have emphasized that the deportations are not driven by hostility toward Afghans but are part of broader security and immigration enforcement measures.