JAKARTA - Millions of migrants and refugees in Iran are caught in the crossfire of the country's spiraling economic crisis and deadly unrest that has gripped the nation since late 2025.

Iranian Ambassador to Indonesia Mohammad Boroujerdi addressed mounting concerns over migrant welfare during a media briefing in Jakarta on January 22.

"Like everyone in Iran, they are also affected by the economic situation, instability, unrest, and so on,” Boroujerdi told Migrant Times. “This is the same as everyone in Iran who is experiencing hardship.”

Iran hosts at least 3.5 million refugees mainly from Afghanistan, according to 2025 UN figures.

“But this is a situation that is indeed happening; we do not wish this upon anyone in our country,” the ambassador added. “And we hope that a good life can be lived by every person, both newcomers and the society.”

The country has been rocked by deadly anti-government protests since late December, when demonstrations erupted at Tehran's Grand Bazaar over soaring prices and currency collapse. What started as economic grievances quickly became a nationwide movement, with protesters taking aim at Iran's clerical leadership.

Government crackdowns have killed 3,117 people, according to figures from Tehran. Authorities cut most internet access around January 8 to suppress the protests. While mass gatherings have been stamped out, smaller acts of resistance continue.

Boroujerdi blamed foreign interference, specifically naming Mossad and the CIA, for Iran's weakening economy.

“We saw certain parties attempt to hijack the peaceful protest action of society,” he said. “The strategy launched against our country seeks a collapse from within, first by creating protests and pushing down our currency value.”