Iran Crisis Drives Afghans Back to Taliban Rule

The conflict with the United States and Israel is forcing thousands of Afghan migrants to return home with almost nothing. Many have lost their jobs and savings, while soaring inflation has pushed food beyond the reach of many families.

Consumer prices in Iran have risen by nearly 90% year on year, while food prices have climbed by around 130%. The crisis has been exacerbated by sanctions and the US naval blockade, which has halted oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the International Organization for Migration, only 29% of returnees had any savings, while their income had fallen by nearly a third from pre-crisis levels. Mohammad Saeed, who fled Afghanistan with his family after the Taliban returned to power in 2021, said they lost more than two-thirds of their money as the rial collapsed.

More than 2m Afghans have left Iran over the past two years. Most were deported or forced to leave before the latest wave, but entire families, including women and girls, are now returning in greater numbers.

For many, that means choosing between poverty in Iran and returning to a country where the Taliban severely restricts women’s education, employment and ability to travel without a male chaperone. The movement says it respects women’s rights in accordance with Islamic Sharia law.

Saeed’s family has resumed cheese production in Afghanistan. His 17-year-old sister, however, remains at home after eight years of schooling. Under Taliban rule, girls are barred from education beyond sixth grade and from attending university.

(Reuters, Bak)