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Several Afghan migrants were killed during Iran’s recent nationwide protests, with some taking part alongside Iranian demonstrators and others shot despite having no direct involvement, a source confirmed to Afghanistan International.
The protests began in Tehran and several other cities in late December, initially driven by public anger over the sharp fall in Iran’s national currency, soaring inflation and worsening economic conditions.
A series of messages circulated in Afghan migrant WhatsApp and Telegram groups during the early days of the protests, urging migrants not to participate, a source told Afghanistan International.
The messages warned that sharing photos or videos could have serious consequences, reflecting widespread fear of arrest, deportation or forced expulsion.
An Afghan migrant living in Mashhad told Afghanistan International that many Afghans in Iran deliberately avoid political activity because of their precarious legal status, particularly protesting the government.
He added that some migrants joined the demonstrations nonetheless due to severe economic hardship.
Sources also said that amid an increase in security checkpoints, some Afghan migrants began using images of senior Islamic Republic figures as phone wallpapers, fearing inspections of their mobile phones by security forces.
Afghanistan International confirmed the identities of several Afghan nationals killed during the protests, including 16-year-old Amirhossein Moradi, who was shot in Mashhad and later died in hospital.
The human rights organization Hengaw also confirmed the deaths of three other Afghan nationals in the city. Sources say families were warned against speaking to the media before being allowed to bury their relatives.
Additional cases have been reported in Tehran, Karaj and Isfahan, including Afghan migrants and children killed by direct or indiscriminate fire, some while not participating in protests. Internet restrictions and pressure on families have made it difficult to establish accurate figures.
Afghan migrants have previously been killed during protests in Iran. During the 2022 nationwide unrest, Amnesty International reported that at least two Afghan teenagers were killed by Iranian security forces, with their families later threatened into silence.
Iran’s consul general in Herat has denied Afghan involvement in the recent protests, claiming some actors are attempting to damage relations between Iran and Afghanistan.
More than 36,500 Iranians were killed by security forces during the January 8-9 crackdown on nationwide protests, making it the deadliest two-day protest massacre in history, according to documents reviewed by Iran International's Editorial Board.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on Friday welcomed the European Union’s decision to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, adding that Ottawa stands with the Iranian people against ongoing human rights abuses.
“Pleased to see EU allies join Canada in listing the IRGC as a terrorist entity. Collectively, we stand with the brave people of Iran and condemn the continuous violations of their basic human rights,” she posted on X.
Newly obtained satellite images show renewed activity at two of Iran’s key nuclear facilities bombed by the United States and Israel last year, raising fresh questions about Tehran’s disputed nuclear program.
Images from Planet Labs PBC show new construction and movement at the Natanz enrichment site and the Isfahan nuclear complex, both of which suffered damage during the 12-day war in June 2025.
The activity appears to include newly built roofing structures and efforts to cover or secure previously hit buildings, suggesting work to stabilize or restore parts of the sites.
Open-source analysts have previously noted signs of activity at Iran’s nuclear facilities, but the latest satellite photos offer some of the clearest indications yet of sustained work since the attacks.
Iran has not publicly explained the activity and continues to restrict access for international inspectors, limiting independent verification.
The activity comes against the backdrop of longstanding concerns over Iran’s nuclear stockpile, including estimates by international inspectors that Tehran holds roughly 400 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60%, a level close to weapons-grade.
The Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites were among facilities hit during US strikes in June 2025, attacks Washington said were aimed at degrading Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, warned on Friday the Islamic Republic is fully prepared to deter any threat and would respond forcefully to hostile actions, including by striking targets inside Israel if necessary.
“Any move that indicates hostile intent from the enemy will be met with a proportionate, effective, and deterrent response,” Lebanon's Al Mayadeen TV channel quoted Shamkhani as saying.
“This proportionate response includes striking deep into the Zionist entity.”
“We have uncovered the enemy’s operational plan, we have full oversight of it, and we will direct strikes at the appropriate time to the points that chokes the plan,” he added.
The Council of the European Union has approved a decision to prioritize human rights violations in Iran across all UN human rights forums in 2026, including at the Human Rights Council and the UN General Assembly.
According to the EU Council conclusions, the bloc will pursue a coordinated and sustained approach through UN mechanisms, including special rapporteurs and investigative bodies.
This includes backing UN fact-finding missions and urging accountability for deadly crackdown. The EU has framed this approach as part of a broader effort to uphold international human rights law globally, though Iran has become one of its most urgent test cases.
