More than four million people have been displaced as the United States and Israel continue to wage war against Iran, triggering a rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis across the Middle East. Aid agencies warn that the conflict has already caused thousands of civilian deaths and injuries, as well as the widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure, and growing shortages of essential services.
Since the US-Israeli bombardment began on February 28, escalating hostilities have affected multiple countries in the region. Iran and Lebanon have been hit hardest, and civilians are bearing the brunt of the violence. Humanitarian agencies say the conflict has directly affected more than a dozen countries, raising fears of a wider regional crisis with far-reaching consequences for civilians.
The human toll of the war on Iran is rising rapidly. Preliminary official figures indicate that more than 2,200 people have been killed in Iran and Lebanon by US and Israeli forces since the war was initiated. The exact toll remains difficult to verify due to communication disruptions and restricted access to affected areas.
In Iran, at least 1,444 people have been killed and over 18,550 have been injured in attacks carried out by the United States and Israel since late February. In Lebanon, where Israel began strikes on March 2, authorities report that 773 people have been killed and 1,933 have been wounded. Among the deaths are 103 children, with another 326 injured.
The true numbers are likely much higher, as rescue teams continue searching damaged buildings and hospitals struggle to cope with the surge in casualties.
Millions displaced inside Iran
According to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), up to 3.2 million people have been displaced within Iran. When including displacement in neighboring countries, humanitarian estimates suggest that the total number of people displaced by the ongoing conflict exceeds four million.
Most families are fleeing Tehran and other major urban centers, heading to northern provinces near the Caspian Sea and rural areas in search of safety. Data on vehicle movement indicates that more than 400,000 vehicles entered the northern provinces in early March from cities heavily affected by the conflict.
Refugee families already living in Iran—many of whom are from Afghanistan—are among the most vulnerable. With limited resources and weak support networks, many now face growing insecurity and reduced access to food, healthcare, and shelter.
On Friday, Babar Baloch, a UNHCR spokesperson, told journalists in Geneva that although the situation remains fluid, aid agencies have not yet observed large numbers of people leaving Iran. However, more than 100,000 people have reportedly crossed from Lebanon into Syria - the majority are Syrian nationals returning to their country - while more than 800,000 people have been displaced inside Lebanon.
Widespread destruction in Iranian cities
Humanitarian organizations have reported significant damage to civilian infrastructure in Iran, particularly in heavily populated areas. Preliminary assessments indicate that nearly 22,000 civilian structures have been damaged, including over 17,000 homes. More than 4,000 commercial buildings have been affected, and at least 120 schools have reportedly been destroyed.
Residents of Tehran describe relentless bombing, damaged streets, and widespread destruction. Families in affected cities are waking up to destroyed homes and damaged infrastructure, facing growing uncertainty, whereas thousands have already been forced to flee. Many families are now sheltering in hotels, emergency centers, and community centers.
Humanitarian agencies warn of deteriorating crisis
On Friday, Zoe Brennan, spokesperson for the International Organization for Migration (IOM), told journalists in Geneva that the escalating conflict had severely disrupted civilian life across Iran.
The migration agency is monitoring population movements and mobilizing emergency supplies to assist those in need. Brennan stressed that de-escalation of the conflict remains critical to preventing further human suffering.
IOM supports organized evacuations and migrant returns with systems that provide transportation, temporary accommodation, and medical escorts. However, officials say that a lack of funding and logistical challenges are currently limiting these efforts.
Aid operations under pressure
On Thursday, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned that the escalating conflict risks exacerbating the suffering of civilians in a region already grappling with some of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. The conflict is also putting additional strain on humanitarian systems across the wider Middle East and beyond.
Instability around the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route through which humanitarian shipments normally pass, is also affecting relief operations. Aid organizations say that if the conflict continues to intensify, humanitarian needs in several countries could dramatically increase in the coming weeks.
UNHCR’s Baloch stressed that humanitarian workers across the region are in a difficult situation as well, as they are heavily affected by the intensifying conflict.
Risk of wider regional conflict
Analysts warn that the war could expand further if it is not contained quickly. Strikes and drone incidents have already been reported in Iraq, while Israeli attacks on Lebanon continue to escalate amid ongoing rocket fire from armed groups along the Lebanese border targeting Israeli territory.
Humanitarian agencies say the conflict, which has directly affected more than a dozen countries, is raising fears of a wider regional crisis with far-reaching consequences for civilians. For now, aid groups stress that protecting civilians and allowing humanitarian access must remain the highest priority.