Iranian Deputy FM: If US Sanctions Continue, We May Have to Ask Afghans Living in Iran to Leave

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that over three million Afghans residing in Iran might be requested to leave "when the U.S. sanctions have their impact." "It costs the Islamic Republic some eight billion euros a year" in tuition fees and medical benefits for the Afghans living in Iran, he said, in a May 8 interview with the state's Channel 2 TV. "They should know that if they implement such a policy, the Islamic Republic will be forced to take special measures for the sake of its economy." he said. "Whether they go back to their country or go elsewhere - naturally, the choice will be theirs," said Araghchi, referring to President Rouhani's address that day, in which he had said that Iran had "prevented the flood of immigrants to Europe through this region" by "receiving millions of immigrants."