Islamic Republic of Iran

Iran hosts one of the world’s largest and most protracted refugee populations, with Afghan and Iraqi refugees arriving in successive waves over the past four decades.

An estimated 3.4 million refugees and refugee-like individuals live across the country, including 35,000 of the most vulnerable who reside in 20 designated settlements across 13 provinces.

While the Government continues to promote voluntary repatriation as the preferred long-term solution, it faces a growing financial burden in supporting this population and has consistently called for increased international assistance.

These challenges have been exacerbated by rising inflation, limited employment opportunities and a soaring cost of living, leaving many refugees unable to meet their basic needs and increasingly at risk of food insecurity.

The World Food Programme (WFP) is deeply concerned about the recent military escalation in the Middle East. We are ready to rapidly scale up humanitarian assistance in Iran and neighbouring countries, to support vulnerable communities and ensure food security during these turbulent times. 

On an ongoing basis, WFP provides life-saving food assistance, promotes girls’ education, supports income-generating activities, and enhances resilience through a hybrid model of cash transfers and food distributions.

WFP also maintains readiness to support national emergency response efforts.

We work with the Government and United Nations partners to ensure that the most vulnerable refugees continue to receive critical assistance, until conditions are conducive for their safe, voluntary and dignified return home.