GENEVA, Mar 14 (APP): The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has warned that the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has triggered a large-scale internal displacement crisis across Iran.
According to preliminary assessments by UNHCR, between 600,000 and one million Iranian households have been forced to temporarily flee their homes due to intensified airstrikes and military operations across the country.
The UN refugee agency estimated that the number of displaced individuals could reach up to 3.2 million people if hostilities continue, warning that the humanitarian situation may worsen as the bombing campaign intensifies.
Speaking on the situation, UNHCR official Ayaki Ito, who also serves as the Cross-Regional Refugee Response Coordinator for the Middle East emergency, described the developments as a rapidly escalating humanitarian crisis.
He said the displacement has created growing needs for shelter, food, healthcare and protection for civilians caught in the conflict.
According to the agency, a large number of people are fleeing Tehran and other densely populated urban centres, seeking safety in northern provinces and rural areas as fears of continued airstrikes and infrastructure destruction intensify.
UNHCR also highlighted the vulnerability of Afghan refugee families living in Iran, many of whom were already facing economic hardship and limited access to services before the conflict escalated.
The agency warned that these refugee communities are now at greater risk due to restricted access to healthcare, shelter and food supplies as displacement spreads across the country.
UNHCR said it is adjusting its operations to respond to the growing crisis. The organization, which has maintained a long-standing humanitarian presence in Iran, is working closely with national authorities and humanitarian partners to strengthen emergency preparedness and monitor population movements.
Efforts are also being made to expand support services including reception centres, helplines and protection mechanisms for displaced people.
The agency stressed the urgent need to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access in accordance with international humanitarian law, while urging neighbouring countries to keep their borders open for people seeking safety.