Irans Neighbours Prepare for Potential Refugee Crisis Amid Escalating Conflict

Pakistan Prepares for Potential Refugee Crisis from Iran

Islamabad, Pakistan — The conflict between the United States and Israel in Iran has resulted in over 1,400 deaths, retaliatory attacks on Gulf nations and Israel, and increased global oil prices to above $100 per barrel. The UNHCR estimates that 3.2 million people have been displaced in Iran since US-Israeli strikes began on February 28.

Iran shares borders with seven countries: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey, and Turkmenistan. Each of these states faces unique challenges due to their own political pressures, economic limitations, and security concerns. The country’s Red Crescent Society reports that more than 10,000 civilian sites have been damaged since the war began, including schools and medical facilities.

According to Eldaniz Gusseinov, head of research at Nightingale International, if strikes continue to target Tehran and western Iran, other parts of the country may experience increased internal displacement. This could lead to a potential refugee crisis across already fragile borders. Gusseinov noted that infrastructure destruction can cause sudden, massive displacement.

Iran’s neighbors are taking precautions, with Turkiye, Iraq, and Pakistan having extensive experience hosting large refugee populations. Imtiaz Baloch, an independent researcher, stated that if the crisis in Iran deepens, many Iranians may seek refuge in neighboring countries, particularly Iraq and Turkey. Turkiye shares a 530km border with Iran and already hosts the world’s largest refugee population.

Turkiye has prepared contingency plans for the war in Iran, including intercepting migration flows within Iranian territory, establishing buffer zones along the frontier, and allowing refugees to enter under controlled conditions. The country’s interior minister, Mustafa Çiftçi, has stated that the government is ready to respond to any potential influx of refugees.

Source: Al Jazeera