Thousands of Afghan Nationals Head Back Home from Iran

(MENAFN) Around 10,000 Afghan nationals are crossing back into Afghanistan each day as violence and instability intensify in Iran, according to a Saturday night report by media.

“Recently, due to war and insecurity in Iran, the return of refugees from the country has increased. Between 8,000 to 10,000 individuals are returning daily via the Islam Qala crossing point in western Herat province,” stated Abdul Rahim Rahmani, the deputy head of Border Affairs for Returnees and Refugees at Islam Qala.

In addition to those returning through Herat, officials revealed that another estimated 2,000 to 3,000 refugees—comprising roughly 300 families—are re-entering Afghanistan through the southwestern province of Nimroz.

The sudden spike in repatriations follows a new wave of conflict sparked by Israeli airstrikes across various Iranian provinces, including Tehran, which began on June 13. The threat of further attacks has prompted thousands of Afghan refugees to flee what they now see as a war zone.

In a significant and alarming update, U.S. President Donald Trump declared on Saturday that American forces had successfully targeted three of Iran’s nuclear facilities. “Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan,” he said, confirming the strikes had been carried out.

These escalating developments have intensified fears of broader regional destabilization and placed Afghan refugees in Iran under immediate threat, compelling many to undertake the uncertain journey back to their homeland.

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