The Humanitarian Fallout of the Iran War

In Iran, civilians are being killed and displaced, and Israeli and US bombing has severely damaged infrastructure. In Lebanon, where Israel is pursuing a second front in the war, 1.2 million people have been forced from their homes. As is so often the case, those already marginalised are especially vulnerable. In Iran, this includes Afghan refugees – many of whom cannot safely return home amid a second, almost entirely overshadowed conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Meanwhile, throughout South Asia, daily life has been disrupted by energy shortages and food supply anxieties caused by the Iran war. And all of this is taking place as funding cuts have left the aid system with severely diminished capacity to respond.

The New Humanitarian held a conversation about what is being left unsaid in mainstream global media coverage of the Iran war: What does it mean to live and work in countries bearing the brunt of the human toll of the war while much of the world’s attention is focused on its high-level political theatre rather than the on-the-ground consequences? 

Bringing together humanitarian responders in Iran, Lebanon, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, this discussion explored the human costs, risks of further escalation, and realities of delivering aid with limited visibility and funding during the war — and what happens when needs outpace both attention and the capacity to respond. It also examined how political dynamics are shaping aid access, funding, and the international response efforts.

Due to the extremely limited internet connection inside Iran, Iranian speakers were not able to join the conversation. 

The event was moderated by Annie Slemrod – Middle East Editor, The New Humanitarian. 

Speakers 

• Ali Latifi - Asia Editor, The New Humanitarian 
• Arshad Malik - Regional Director Asia, Save the Children International
• Imane Assaf - Founder, Ahla Fawda Lebanon