Mass Afghan Exodus from Iran Exposes Regional Neglect and Humanitarian Crisis

As thousands of Afghans pour back across the border from Iran each day, we see the sharp consequences of failing regional policies and international neglect. This mass movement is driven by two defining factors: Iran’s aggressive crackdown on undocumented foreigners and an escalating war with Israel that threatens civilian safety within its borders. Since October 2023, Iranian authorities have intensified efforts to deport Afghans residing there, labeling many as 'illegals' despite decades of Afghan migrant presence in the country. This crackdown coincided with neighboring Pakistan’s similar enforcement measures, compounding the pressure on displaced Afghan populations. The recent war ignited between...