Geneva, March 11 (SANA) – The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported an increase in cross-border movements and returns in areas affected by the repercussions of the ongoing war on Iran.
According to the UN News Centre, more than 70,000 Syrians and thousands of Lebanese nationals have crossed into Syria in recent days, while Afghan refugees continue returning from Iran despite ongoing security and economic pressures.
UNHCR said its teams in Türkiye are monitoring the situation in the Van–Ağrı–Hakkari border region, where crossings remain open. However, the number of arrivals has declined to around 1,300 people per day, significantly lower than pre-war levels.
The agency noted that some of the movements appear to be precautionary or temporary, as people wait to assess developments inside Iran.
It added that the Agarak border crossing between Armenia and Iran remains open, with limited movement involving small groups of travelers and families in both directions.
UNHCR warned that the current crisis is increasing pressure on vulnerable communities and humanitarian operations already operating under difficult conditions.
The Middle East has witnessed significant military escalation following the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran and subsequent Iranian responses, contributing to regional instability and triggering displacement both inside Iran and across its borders.
