Attachments
On 28 February 2026, US-Israel strikes against Iran were followed by Iranian strikes including against the Gulf neighboring countries, resulting in humanitarian consequences and impact on mobility and essential services. While the full humanitarian impact is still emerging, the events have generated widespread operational constraints, particularly for organizations supporting mobile and migrant populations. Across the region, airspace closures or restrictions have been implemented in Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE, with partial measures in Jordan and Saudi Arabia
IOM operations across several countries have been temporarily adjusted due to airspace closures and access constraints. Essential assistance continues where feasible, alongside strengthened preparedness for potential population movements.
As tensions rise across the Middle East, de-escalation is urgently needed to prevent further suffering. Civilians across the Middle East must be protected, and people must be able to reach safety and receive assistance wherever they are.
ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
Iran hosts a large migrant population, including an estimated 4.4 million Afghan and 290,000 Iraqi nationals, who rely on stable access to services and livelihoods. Heightened uncertainty, financial disruptions, and insecurity may exacerbate existing vulnerabilities. Access to some services, including internet, and safe mobility options is constrained.
AFGHANISTAN
While major border points remain operational, any shift in movements from Iran could place significant pressure on reception and screening systems in western Afghanistan. Economic and mobility disruptions linked to regional instability may further affect remittances, labour migration, and access to services.
IRAQ
Airspace closure continues to limit travel and humanitarian rotations. No major changes in cross border population movements have been reported to date.
LEBANON
Overnight escalations on 2 March led to heavy Israeli airstrikes across the South, the Bekaa, and Beirut’s southern suburbs, resulting in evacuation warnings for 53 villages, and large‑scale population movements toward Beirut and Mount Lebanon. The government activated emergency mechanisms and opened more than 325 collective shelters nationwide, currently hosting around 60,000 IDPs, and approximately 92 shelters already at or near capacity. If the situation deteriorates further, Lebanon could face internal displacement on a scale comparable to October 2024, alongside a continued rise in movements toward Syria, where 11,000 crossings were recorded at Masnaa on the morning as of 3 March. (Consult the report to learn more)