At least 40 Afghan migrants are feared to have died while attempting to cross illegally into Iran during extreme cold weather and heavy snowfall along the Iran-Afghanistan border, though the deaths have not yet been officially confirmed.
According to sources, hundreds of Afghan nationals were travelling through unofficial routes near Islam Qala towards the Iranian city of Taybad. The migrants were reportedly trying to enter Iran amid harsh winter conditions.
Sources said at least 15 bodies have been transferred to hospitals in Iran’s Kohsan and Adraskan districts. The overall death toll is estimated to have reached around 40.
More than 40 bodies have also reportedly been brought to Taybad Hospital in Iran’s Razavi Khorasan province and to Afghan graveyards. Several migrants are still missing, and affected families are searching for their loved ones.
The incident comes amid a crackdown on Afghan migrants by Iranian authorities and large-scale deportations. In 2025 alone, more than 1.6 million Afghan migrants and refugees were expelled from Iran.
The pace of deportations increased after a brief conflict between Iran and Israel in June and July.
Iranian officials have cited national security concerns, alleging that Afghan nationals carried out espionage for Israel during the conflict. Iran has since tightened border controls, leading to what observers describe as a growing humanitarian crisis.
Critics have raised concerns at the international level, saying the measures violate international laws. Data also shows that attempts by Afghans to cross the border illegally have doubled over the past six months compared to the same period last year.
