Zalmay Khalilzad, former U.S. representative for Afghanistan peace affairs, says that the expulsion of Afghan refugees from Iran has been sudden and that this approach is wrong.
On Tuesday (July 1st), Khalilzad posted a note on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that Iran is expelling refugees “without any coordination” with the Islamic Emirate.
He stated: “The method that the Islamic Republic has taken to expel Afghan refugees is sudden and without any coordination with Afghan authorities. This is wrong, and I condemn it.”
According to Khalilzad, Iran is obligated to plan the return process in a way that prevents a humanitarian crisis.
He added that helping Afghans to return to their lives and secure their livelihoods can be a sign of solidarity and good neighborliness.
Referring to accusations against Afghan refugees, he said that refugees cannot have access to sensitive information about the residences of military officials or nuclear facilities in Iran.
Khalilzad questioned these accusations and wrote: “How is it possible for Afghan refugees to access the residences and offices of senior Iranian security officials or sensitive military and nuclear sites and provide this information to Mossad?”
He further added that even if a few of them were recruited by Israel, those individuals should be held accountable, not all refugees.
Meanwhile, following the increase in the expulsion of Afghan refugees from Iran, Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, has called for enhanced cooperation with international organizations, including the Red Cross and Red Crescent.
Muttaqi emphasized that the expulsion of refugees has risen recently and support should be provided in areas such as shelter, drinking water, and health services.