For more than four decades, the Islamic Republic of Iran has hosted millions of Afghan refugees, providing humanitarian, educational and health services despite enduring severe economic pressures caused by unilateral sanctions and the near-total absence of adequate international assistance.
While Iran has continuously shouldered this heavy responsibility largely on its own, international support for refugee hosting and integration in the country has remained minimal compared with the scale of needs.
Your report claims that Iran is considering “releasing” large numbers of refugees toward neighbouring countries (Iran may release hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees into Iraq and Turkey, 2 October). No such policy or decision has been announced by the competent Iranian authorities. Iran’s refugee policy has consistently been grounded in humanitarian principles, respect for human dignity, and cooperation with relevant international mechanisms.
Publishing unverified or incomplete information risks distorting realities on the ground and misleading public understanding.
Ayoub Heidari
Spokesman, Iranian embassy, London
