Amid a surge in deportations of Afghan migrants from Iran, social media users in Afghanistan have launched a widespread campaign to boycott Iranian goods. Using the hashtag “Boycott Iranian Goods - A National Demand”, the campaign directly counters Iran’s narrative that “Deporting Afghan Migrants is a National Demand”, Afintl.af reports.
Afghanistan remains one of the largest buyers of Iranian products. In just the first three months of 2025, Iran exported $520 million worth of goods to Afghanistan. In 2024, the figure exceeded $3.1 billion.
Activists are calling on Afghans to stop purchasing Iranian goods and services, including food and medicine. Some Afghan doctors have already stated they will no longer prescribe Iranian pharmaceuticals. Traders are also being urged not to import Iranian products.
“This is an act of national dignity,” one campaigner wrote. Social media users are sharing videos of migrants recounting abuse, arguing that a boycott is a peaceful way to resist systemic mistreatment.
According to the Taliban, over 500,000 Afghans have been expelled from Iran in recent weeks, including those with valid visas. There are also reports that Iranian officers destroyed passports and identity documents of Afghan migrants.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
July 15, 2025