Iran is currently facing a deepening humanitarian and human rights crisis as civilians find themselves trapped between expanding military hostilities and escalating domestic repression. Reports from international organizations indicate widespread civilian casualties, large-scale displacement, severe restrictions on information, and growing risks for detainees across the country.
As fighting spreads across multiple regions, millions of civilians are experiencing the combined impact of armed conflict and state security measures. The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran has warned that the population is now caught “between bombardment and state repression,” highlighting the dual threats facing ordinary citizens.
One of the most immediate humanitarian consequences of the conflict has been mass displacement within the country. According to estimates from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), recent hostilities have forced between 600,000 and one million households to flee their homes. This corresponds to approximately 1.9 to 3.2 million people displaced inside Iran.
Large movements of civilians have been reported from major urban areas toward northern provinces and rural regions as families attempt to escape escalating violence. Humanitarian agencies warn that continued attacks could significantly increase displacement and strain already limited resources and public services. Vulnerable groups—including children, the elderly, low-income families, and Afghan refugees living in Iran—are among those most severely affected.
Civilian casualties have also risen sharply since the beginning of the conflict. During the first twelve days of fighting, reports indicate that more than 1,255 civilians were killed and nearly 12,000 people injured. The attacks have also damaged essential infrastructure, particularly within the healthcare system. More than 25 hospitals have reportedly been damaged, while at least nine medical facilities have been forced completely out of service.
One of the most devastating incidents involved a strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls’ School in Minab, located in Hormozgan Province. The attack occurred during school hours and reportedly killed more than 100 students along with dozens of teachers and school staff, most of the victims being girls between the ages of seven and twelve. Human rights organizations have warned that attacks affecting civilian infrastructure can cause widespread harm and may constitute violations of international humanitarian law.
Alongside the humanitarian consequences of the war, authorities have also imposed sweeping restrictions on communications and public information. Shortly after hostilities began, internet access across Iran was heavily disrupted. At certain points, internet traffic reportedly dropped by as much as 98 percent, effectively isolating large parts of the country.
International observers have expressed concern that such restrictions limit access to life-saving information during attacks and prevent families from communicating during emergencies. At the same time, reports indicate that citizens have been arrested for sharing images of attacks or posting information online.
Senior judicial and security officials have also issued harsh warnings against dissent. Judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir stated that individuals accused of “cooperation with the enemy” could face severe punishment, including execution and confiscation of property. Meanwhile, police chief Ahmadreza Radan warned that security forces would respond forcefully to potential protests, declaring that those appearing in the streets during the conflict could be treated as enemies rather than demonstrators.
Human rights organizations are also raising concerns about the safety of detainees. Thousands of prisoners are reportedly being held in facilities located near areas affected by military attacks. The UN Fact-Finding Mission has warned that many detainees—particularly those arrested during nationwide protests beginning in late December 2025—may face risks of torture, ill-treatment, enforced disappearance, and expedited trials that could lead to severe punishments, including the death penalty.
Legal experts say the current situation raises serious concerns regarding Iran’s obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law. The right to life, freedom of expression, and protection from arbitrary detention are all at risk amid the ongoing conflict and tightening security measures.
International organizations are calling for urgent global attention to the situation. They warn that without stronger international monitoring and pressure, the humanitarian consequences of the conflict—and the risks faced by civilians—may continue to escalate.