Afghan migrants are escaping Iranian cities amid a new Middle East war, describing scenes of panic, scarce supplies, and relentless bombardment as they return home.
ISLAM QALA: Afghans are fleeing Iranian cities for their homeland, recounting scenes of terror and scarcity triggered by a regional war. Many had initially sought work or transit in Iran, but the conflict has forced a desperate retreat.
Rashid Nazari, 20, abandoned his hopes of reaching Turkey after US and Israeli strikes escalated hostilities. “Most people were going toward smaller towns because the situation in the cities was bad,” he said at the Islam Qala border crossing.
He described Iranians scrambling for essentials as he left. “Especially in markets, at petrol stations, and in places that sell food, there were large crowds,” Nazari told AFP.
Returnee Nematullah Moradi, 26, described weapons firing “day and night” near Tehran, where he had lived for 18 months. “People were worried,” he said, adding, “We saw missiles landing and the smoke rising into the air afterwards.”
The UN refugee agency stated it has not yet seen a major increase in people leaving Iran since the war began. Spokesperson Charlie Goodlake noted plans are in place for a potential surge, though “resources are already significantly stretched.”
One Afghan trader, 58-year-old Rahmatullah Sayedzada, initially hoped the situation in Isfahan would improve. “When we saw that the situation was getting worse, we also started moving back,” he explained.
Attaullah Noori, 31, described packing his bags in Tehran when explosions hit. “All the people — women, men and boys — started shouting and crying,” he said. “Everyone was running in fear with their wives and children.”
He reported transport was overwhelmed, stating “buses were not available for them to escape.” While Afghans find refuge, Iranians at the border face an uncertain future.
An anonymous Iranian cargo driver expressed deep worry following his supreme leader’s death. “I don’t know what will happen in the future, but it’s not a good future for us Iranians,” he said.
Over 1.8 million Afghans returned from Iran last year, according to migration data, a flow that long predates the current conflict.
The Sun Malaysia
