Why the Iran war could lead to the ‘biggest refugee crisis in decades’

WorldPolitics
4 Mar 2026 • 1:41 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • The European Union Agency for Asylum has warned that ongoing conflict in Iran could lead to refugee movements of an "unprecedented magnitude".
  • The agency stated that even a 10 per cent displacement of Iran's 90 million population would rival the largest refugee flows in recent decades.
  • The Middle Eastern crisis is escalating, with 787 people reportedly killed in Iran since Saturday and further strikes in Tehran and Lebanon.
  • International organisations, including the IOM and UNHCR, have echoed concerns, urging de-escalation to prevent further civilian displacement.
  • In Lebanon, approximately 30,000 people have been displaced following Israeli air strikes, which occurred after Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel.

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