Iran

Introduction

Iran is facing a protracted and complex humanitarian crisis, sharply aggravated by the 2026 conflict, sanctions-related constraints and recurring climate shocks. It is the world’s largest refugee hosting country, hosting an estimated 4.4 to 6 million Afghans of various legal statuses. 

The conflict has extended humanitarian needs beyond vulnerable Afghans to affected Iranian populations, further straining basic services and increasing needs for protection and life-saving assistance.

Facts & figures

EU humanitarian funding:

What are the needs?

It is estimated that Iran is hosting between 4.4 and 6 million Afghans of various legal statuses. 1.65 million of them are recognised by UNHCR as refugees and refugee-like. Increasingly restrictive policies and documentation requirements expose Afghans to heightened protection risks, including return and deportation.

Humanitarian needs

The 2026 conflict has expanded humanitarian needs to vulnerable Iranian populations. More than 3.8 million people were affected, with damage to housing, health, water and other essential infrastructure. The conflict has also placed additional pressure on already overstretched services.

The economic situation is worsening. Inflation and currency depreciation have sharply reduced purchasing power. The cost of the minimum food basket increased by 130% year-on-year in July 2026. Vulnerable Iranian households and Afghans dependent on informal work face:

• increasing food insecurity
• debt 
• loss of livelihoods

Priority needs include, health, mental health and psychosocial support, protection, food and cash assistance, safe water, shelter and education.

Access to health care and education is particularly constrained for undocumented Afghans. Sanctions-related over-compliance, restrictions on financial transfers and difficulties importing specialised humanitarian and medical supplies further hinder access to life-saving assistance.

Iran is also highly exposed to natural hazards, including earthquakes, floods, droughts, landslides and storms, which can compound existing vulnerabilities.

How are we helping?

In 2026, the EU allocated €12.5 million in humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable in Iran.

EU humanitarian aid supports vulnerable Afghans and their host communities, while also responding to the humanitarian consequences of the 2026 conflict among affected Iranian populations. Assistance focuses on:

EU-funded cash assistance helps vulnerable people meet essential needs and, where relevant, costs linked to documentation, education, accommodation and health care. EU support also helps maintain access to primary health care and mental health and psychosocial support, rehabilitate schools and water infrastructure, and strengthen preparedness and emergency response capacities.

Following the 2026 conflict, the EU’s humanitarian aid has also supported assistance for conflict-affected Iranian households, as well as health preparedness, pre-positioning of medical supplies and rehabilitation of critical infrastructure. Disaster preparedness support strengthens emergency health response capacities and preparedness for conflict- and climate-related shocks.

Humanitarian partners

EU humanitarian assistance is channelled exclusively through trusted humanitarian partners, including:

• UN agencies
• International Red Cross 
• Red Crescent Movement 
• international humanitarian organisations 

It is not provided to the Iranian government or state institutions.