Somali nationals in Iran consider leaving the country amid rising tensions
Due to the uncertain security situation, members of the Somali community recently met to evaluate their options. According to Ahmed, the meeting focused on whether they should continue to remain in Iran or try to leave for a safer country. The outcome of that discussion remains unclear.
Somali nationals living in Iran have raised alarm over their safety as the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel continues to escalate. A section of Somalis in the country began discussing the possibility of leaving due to the growing insecurity caused by recent airstrikes.
Ahmed Mahmoud Abdi, a Somali businessman based in Iran, spoke to BBC Somali and explained how the situation has changed over recent days. He said that although most people in the country have not yet fled, they are afraid.
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“People are war-weary. Unlike other countries where people may flee immediately, here people are staying put, but you can still sense the tension. There's a noticeable shift in certain areas,” Ahmed told the BBC.
He mentioned that the Israeli attacks have damaged civilian infrastructure, hospitals, and key government buildings. He described how daily life has become more restricted, with people choosing to stay indoors rather than risk being outside.
The Somali community in Iran is relatively small. It consists of about a dozen individuals, including university students and entrepreneurs.
Ahmed confirmed that one Somali student at Tehran University was injured in a recent airstrike.
“He was hit in the head but is in stable condition. I was told he planned to travel to Azerbaijan, though his situation remains uncertain,” Ahmed said.
Due to the uncertain security situation, members of the Somali community recently met to evaluate their options. According to Ahmed, the meeting focused on whether they should continue to remain in Iran or try to leave for a safer country. The outcome of that discussion remains unclear.
The conflict itself has intensified in recent days. Israel has justified its military operations by claiming that they are necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Reports from Iranian authorities indicate that at least 224 people have died due to Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Iran has fired around 400 missiles and launched hundreds of drones targeting Israeli territory. The Israeli government has confirmed that at least 24 people have been killed due to these attacks.
This rising regional conflict is taking place at the same time as the ongoing war in Gaza. Military operations in Gaza are continuing, with near-daily violence reported in areas where people wait for humanitarian aid.
Somalis in Iran now face an uncertain future, with growing fears that the conflict will further destabilise the region. While no official evacuation has yet been announced, discussions within the Somali community suggest a growing urgency to find safer alternatives should the situation continue to deteriorate.
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