Anti-Taliban Group Urges Iran To Halt Deportation Of At-Risk Afghan Nationals

The National Resistance Council for the Salvation of Afghanistan has appealed to the Iranian government to suspend the deportation of vulnerable Afghan nationals, particularly former security personnel, judges, and government employees who may face persecution under Taliban rule.

According to the council, a high-level delegation led by senior opposition figures, including Mohammad Mohaqiq, recently travelled to Tehran to engage with Iranian officials. During meetings with representatives from Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Interior, the delegation urged authorities to reconsider the expulsion of Afghans deemed at risk.

Hussain Yasa, spokesperson for the council, told Afghanistan International Radio that deported Afghan security forces have reportedly been subjected to torture by the Taliban upon their return.

In a statement released on Thursday, the council expressed deep concern over the treatment of Afghan refugees, many of whom are former government officials, police officers, judges, and political activists. The Council called on Iran to continue offering refuge and to halt any forced returns that could endanger lives.

The council statement said it submitted a formal proposal outlining measures to protect vulnerable individuals. Iranian officials reportedly pledged to review the plan and assured the delegation that steps would be taken to assess refugee status and improve conditions for Afghan nationals residing in Iran.

Over the past year, Iran has prioritised the deportation of undocumented Afghan migrants, with tens of thousands expelled to date. Despite publicly opposing forced returns, the Taliban claims it is working to support reintegration efforts and has appealed to international organisations for assistance.

Yasa confirmed that the delegation held meetings with both the Foreign and Interior Ministries of Iran. He said Iranian officials promised to take the Council’s concerns seriously and to explore ways of addressing the challenges facing Afghan refugees.

The recent visit by senior members of the National Resistance Council for the Salvation of Afghanistan including Mohammad Mohaqiq, Haji Almas Zahid, Abdullah Qarluq, Mahboob Siddiqi, and Habib-ur-Rahman Sayyaf was aimed solely at addressing the worsening refugee crisis.

Yasa clarified that the delegation did not engage in discussions regarding Iran’s broader foreign policy, saying: “The Islamic Republic’s policy toward the Taliban is an internal matter for Iran.”