Staff at UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, are mobilizing from Iran and Afghanistan to Lebanon and Syria to support people forced to flee their homes as the regional crisis intensifies.

Many affected countries already host millions of refugees and internally displaced people. Given its footprint in the region, UNHCR is ready to play a leading role in the emergency responses.

UNHCR is closely monitoring the situation inside Iran, where it has had a presence since 1984 and is the largest UN agency, with offices in Tehran and five field locations. For now, we cannot confirm the number of people on the move within the country. But the situation is fluid, and the agency is ready to assist as requested by governments.

Iran hosts 1.65 million refugees and others needing international protection. UNHCR continues to assist and support them, despite logistical challenges. Refugee reception centres and helplines are open, providing counselling and other assistance. UNHCR continues to support services such as health, education and social protection. All our staff in the country are accounted for.

Even before this conflict, refugees in Iran were impacted by the country’s dire economic situation. High inflation and a rising cost of living have eroded fragile incomes, while limited access to employment left many struggling to meet their needs. Tighter residency controls and deportations increased insecurity, pushing some Afghans to return home under difficult conditions.