More than 300 Afghan migrants rescued from cold near Iran border

Iranian officials say more than 300 undocumented Afghan migrants have been rescued after being stranded in cold and rain near the border district of Taybad, in the northeastern Razavi Khorasan province.

Iran’s state news agency, IRNA, reported that the governor of Taybad said the group was discovered during patrols along remote and difficult border routes. He said the migrants had been exposed to harsh weather conditions and were at risk of serious harm.

The official said border guards and security forces identified and rescued the group as they attempted to move through the area, adding that they had become trapped in heavy rain and cold weather.

According to the governor, the migrants were taken to designated centres where they were provided with “warm food, temporary shelter and medical assistance”. He said those suffering from frostbite and illness received treatment.

He added that after receiving assistance and completing legal procedures, the migrants would be handed over to Afghan authorities.

Taybad lies along the Iran–Afghanistan frontier and is regarded as one of the main routes used by undocumented migrants. Many Afghans attempting to reach Europe travel through Iran and then Türkiye, often using irregular routes and without valid travel documents.

The journey has proved deadly in recent years. Reports in 2025 indicated that dozens of Afghan migrants died while attempting irregular crossings through Iran. Each year, migrants face shootings near border areas, exposure to extreme weather and fatal road accidents linked to smuggling networks.

AnewZ attempted to contact Afghan officials for comment on the rescued migrants but had not received a response at the time of publication.

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