UNHCR Mobilizes Response as Internal Displacement Surges in Iran
New York: Ayaki Ito, Director of the Division of Emergency, Security and Supply at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and Regional Refugee Response Coordinator for the Middle East emergency, said preliminary estimates indicate that between 600,000 and one million Iranian families—equivalent to about 3.2 million individuals—have been temporarily displaced within Iran due to the ongoing conflict.
He explained that most displaced people are leaving Tehran and other major urban centres, heading toward northern regions and rural areas considered relatively safer.
According to the official UNHCR website, Ito noted that refugee communities residing in Iran—primarily Afghanistan nationals—are among the most affected, given their existing vulnerabilities and limited support networks. Many of these families are also fleeing areas impacted by the escalation, amid deteriorating security conditions and reduced access to basic services.
The UN agency said it is urgently adjusting its humanitarian response to meet growing needs, working closely with national authorities and humanitarian partners to assess the evolving situation and strengthen preparedness as displacement increases.
UNHCR is also relying on its long-standing operational presence in Iran, including reception facilities, helplines and continuous assistance services, to support displaced populations and enhance its emergency response efforts.
