According to the latest data received from the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran in October 2020, on which consultations are ongoing, 800,000 refugees currently reside in Iran, out of which some 780,000 are indicated to be Afghans - one of the largest and most protracted refugee populations under UNHCR's mandate. In addition, 2.1 million undocumented Afghans and 600,000 Afghan passport holders also live in Iran, along with some 20,000 Iraqi refugees. 96% of refugees live in urban areas alongside the host community, while 4% live in refugee settlements. UNHCR also relies on the Government of Iran for information and data on displaced people, including the Afghan population in Iran. According to various government estimates, 500,000-1,000,000 Afghans have newly fled to Iran since the deterioration of the situation in Afghanistan in 2021. As the situation in Afghanistan remains volatile, UNHCR foresees that Afghans will continue to flee to Iran in the coming months. Based on UNHCR estimates, 65% of all new arrivals are returned by the government. Smaller percentages include people who will continue moving to Turkey and the EU and those who chose to come to Iran for economic or family reasons before returning to Afghanistan on their own. UNHCR estimates that by the end of 2022, 274,000 new arrivals will remain in Iran and will need protection and assistance.

Within the framework of the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR), UNHCR supports the Government of Iran in implementing inclusive refugee policies – in Iran, refugees can go to school and follow the national curriculum, get free primary health care, and access livelihoods opportunities. However, Iran is going through a challenging economic period due to the evolving international and regional relations. This situation is posing a substantial strain on the government's ability to maintain its inclusive policies, while at the same time, the needs and vulnerabilities of refugees are increasing.

UNHCR facilitates voluntary repatriation for Afghan refugees who wish to return to their home country once it is established that their return is voluntary, safe, dignified, and durable. Resettlement is one of the durable solutions to the plight of refugees and an essential element of international protection. However, the resettlement quota for refugees in Iran is very low, considering the large number of refugees in need of resettlement.