Rampant racism and violence against Afghan refugees in Iran continue unchecked, causing fear and suffering among vulnerable refugee communities.

A disturbing video recently circulated on social media shows two young Iranian men in a car chasing an Afghan teenager in the southern Iranian city of Bandar Abbas. The car appears to be deliberately attempting to run over the boy, who is riding a bicycle.

The chilling scene, reportedly recorded on Seyed Jamaluddin Asadabadi Street in Bandar Abbas, ends with the Afghan boy managing to escape by riding onto the sidewalk to save himself from potential harm.

The video has triggered a wave of outrage on social media, reigniting public discussion on racism and violence against Afghan migrants in Iran. Many users condemned the act as yet another sign of the rising xenophobic atmosphere in the country.

The anti-Afghan sentiment has also been intensified through media outlets and online campaigns. Nationalist slogans like “Deport Afghans, a national demand” and the spread of false narratives linking Afghan migrants to crimes have further fueled hostility and division.

Meanwhile, Afghan refugees—many of whom fled war and insecurity in their homeland—continue to live in Iran without basic legal protections or refugee recognition. They face systemic discrimination, limited access to services, and increasing social marginalization.

Experts argue that the absence of official condemnation from the Islamic Republic of Iran or the Taliban embassy in Tehran enables such violence to persist. They stress that fighting racism requires not only legal measures but also public awareness campaigns and the dismantling of hate-driven narratives to prevent further cycles of violence and discrimination.

A conference in Stockholm reviewed Afghanistan’s “Mosaic” plan, aiming to create an inclusive political and social future for the country.

The research and policy center Lajward Yoli together with the Citizens’ Party of Afghanistan recently organized the National Conference on the Future of Afghanistan in Stockholm, Sweden. This important gathering brought together prominent Afghan political figures, civil society activists, and scholars living in exile.

The Mosaic Plan for Afghanistan was proposed by the United Nations as part of its efforts to support peacebuilding and political stability in the country. It aims to create an inclusive and representative government that reflects Afghanistan’s diverse society and addresses ongoing conflicts through dialogue and cooperation.

Conference organizer Aliya Yilmaz emphasized in an interview with Hasht-e-Subh newspaper that Afghanistan needs a new social contract, one that dismantles power monopolies and guarantees equal rights for all citizens. She described the event as a platform for different groups to exchange ideas and build a shared vision for Afghanistan’s future.

Afghanistan continues to face severe political, economic, and social challenges. Attendees expressed hope that such dialogues can foster national consensus and contribute to a sustainable path toward peace and stability.

Furthermore, international organizations and diplomatic bodies have repeatedly called on all Afghan stakeholders to commit to dialogue and cooperation. The United Nations, along with regional partners, urges the formation of a government that respects human rights, ensures equal participation, and addresses the aspirations of all citizens, especially marginalized groups like women and minorities.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claims NATO is seeking reentry into Afghanistan under the pretext of security and regional stability.

Lavrov highlighted that Western nations appear to be seeking ways to re-engage in Afghanistan, despite their chaotic withdrawal nearly four years ago. He pointed to initiatives like the UN-led Doha consultations as examples of efforts that, while presented as diplomatic, may serve Western interests more than regional stability.

The Russian Foreign Minister also criticized the growing alignment of countries like India with Western alliances, expressing concern over joint military exercises and collaborations that may undermine regional security dynamics. Lavrov’s remarks were notably pointed given the presence of an Indian delegation at the forum.

Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s ongoing commitment to Afghanistan, noting that the Russian embassy in Kabul has remained operational. He also mentioned Russia’s active participation in multilateral dialogues, such as the Moscow-format meetings and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s initiatives, aimed at fostering regional cooperation.

Lavrov’s warnings underscore Russia’s apprehension about NATO’s potential return to Afghanistan and its implications for regional stability. His statements reflect a broader concern about Western influence in Central Asia and the necessity for collaborative, transparent efforts to maintain peace.

As the geopolitical landscape evolves, Russia’s stance highlights the complexities of international involvement in Afghanistan. The emphasis on regional cooperation and caution against unilateral actions serve as a reminder of the delicate balance required to ensure lasting stability in the area.