Forced Deportations Rise Amid Accusations Against Afghan Refugees in Iran

As tensions rise following conflict with Israel, Iran has intensified the deportation of over 1.5 million Afghans, many of whom face allegations of espionage. Afghans recount harrowing tales of brutality, highlighting increased anti-Afghan sentiment and disinformation fueling the crackdown.

In light of escalating tensions with Israel, Iran has forcibly deported approximately 1.5 million Afghan refugees, amid allegations branding these migrants as spies. Reports have surfaced detailing disturbing accounts from Afghans who faced physical abuse and questioned their loyalty during deportations.

Ali Ahmad, a refugee who endured severe mistreatment while in Iranian custody, depicted his ordeal, revealing the emotional scars left by his detention. "They treated us like animals," he recounted, having been detained for suspicion of espionage. His experience is not isolated; many Afghans have found themselves victims of an intensified crackdown in recent months.

The Iranian government claims to host over four million undocumented Afghans who fled the turmoil in their homeland. Following a brief war with Israel in June, Iran's authorities have ramped up deportations, with reports indicating that daily returns peaked at around 50,000 individuals early in July. Many Afghan migrants arrived in Iran seeking refuge over the years, yet growing tensions have led to increasingly hostile environments.

Accusations alleging ties between Afghan refugees and Israel's intelligence agency, Mossad, have proliferated. Barnett Rubin, an expert on Afghanistan, suggests that Iran is seeking scapegoats amid its security failures against Israeli operations and governmental shortcomings. "They had to find someone to blame," he said, noting the rise of false narratives surrounding Afghan migrants.

Incidents reported by Iranian media highlight the systematic link between these accusations and the deportations, with officials labeling Afghans as threats and spies. This narrative has led to widespread fear among these communities, prompting many to hide from authorities.

With millions already struggling to survive in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, the return of a vast number of deported Afghans exacerbates the humanitarian crisis. Afghanistan's capacity to reintegrate these returnees is severely limited, particularly as the country also faces the challenge of refugees returning from Pakistan.

Dr. Khadija Abbasi emphasized that anti-Afghan sentiment is not a new phenomenon but has intensified significantly due to the Iranian media's portrayal of Afghan refugees as a social burden. Historical instances of violence and hate crimes have compounded these negative sentiments, leading to a more dangerous environment for Afghans within Iran.

As deportations continue and misinformation spreads on social media, the prospects for Afghan refugees remain bleak, forcing many to remain hidden as they await an uncertain fate. For countless Afghans like Abdullah Rezaee, who has also suffered through abuse during deportation, the reality is devastating. "I lost everything," he lamented, reflecting the harsh consequences of Iran's policies on the lives of vulnerable refugees.

This situation reflects larger regional tensions and the complex dynamics that impact the lives of countless individuals seeking safety amidst turmoil.