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The Somalis in Iran are growing increasingly fearful for their safety as the conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies, with airstrikes and retaliatory attacks shaking cities and disrupting daily life. The small Somali community, made up of students, entrepreneurs, and professionals, now finds itself caught in the crossfire of a geopolitical crisis that shows no signs of easing.
In Tehran and other major cities, the atmosphere has shifted dramatically. Somali residents report a palpable sense of fear, with many avoiding public spaces and limiting movement. “People are war-weary. Unlike other countries where people may flee immediately, here people are staying put, but you can still sense the tension,” said Somali businessman Ahmed Mahmoud Abdi, who has lived in Iran for several years.
The anxiety deepened after an Israeli airstrike injured a Somali medical student at Tehran University. The student, who sustained a head injury, is reportedly in stable condition and was considering traveling to Azerbaijan for safety. His case has become a rallying point for the Somali community, which convened a meeting earlier this week to discuss evacuation options and assess the risks of remaining in Iran.
The Somali embassy in Turkey, which oversees consular affairs for citizens in Iran, has issued an urgent advisory urging nationals to contact the embassy for evacuation assistance. A hotline has been set up to facilitate communication, and Somali authorities are working with international partners to coordinate safe repatriation.
The conflict has already claimed hundreds of lives. Israeli airstrikes have targeted Iranian infrastructure, including hospitals and government buildings, while Iran has launched hundreds of missiles and drones in retaliation. The violence has disrupted air travel, strained diplomatic relations, and triggered a wave of fear among foreign nationals, including the Somali diaspora.
Somalis in Iran are particularly vulnerable due to their limited numbers and lack of direct diplomatic representation in Tehran. Most rely on the embassy in Ankara for support, which complicates emergency coordination. Despite these challenges, Somali officials have pledged to prioritize the safety of their citizens and ensure that those wishing to leave are assisted promptly.
The situation has also reignited debate about the need for stronger diaspora protection mechanisms. Somalia has previously coordinated evacuations from conflict zones such as Sudan and Ukraine, but the scale and complexity of the Iran-Israel conflict present new hurdles.
For many Somalis in Iran, the decision to stay or leave is fraught with uncertainty. Some are weighing the risks of travel against the dangers of remaining in a conflict zone, while others are waiting for clearer guidance from authorities. “We’re in constant communication with each other,” said Ahmed. “But the fear is real, and we don’t know what tomorrow will bring.”
As the conflict escalates, the Somali government is urging citizens to remain vigilant and avoid areas of active fighting. The embassy has promised regular updates and logistical support, but the window for safe evacuation may be narrowing.
With tensions rising and no diplomatic resolution in sight, the Somali community in Iran faces an uncertain future. Their plight underscores the broader human cost of geopolitical conflict and the urgent need for international cooperation to protect vulnerable populations caught in the crossfire.