Armenian social media users debated the consequences of accepting refugees from Iran.

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The influx of refugees from Iran to Armenia will negatively impact the country's economy and social sphere, according to social media commentators. Other users stated the need to help those in distress. Some also believe the refugees will seriously impact relations between countries in the region.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," 2,057 people have been evacuated from Iran to Azerbaijan , including 362 Azerbaijani citizens and 291 Russian citizens. Russians are being advised to leave Iran via Armenia. A collection of humanitarian aid for arriving Iranians has begun in Yerevan, and an ambassador for one of the foundations stated that up to a million people could arrive in Armenia. Armenian analysts have cited the influx of refugees, the possibility of military action spreading to the Caucasus, and the disruption of the Zangezur transport corridor project as risks for Armenia due to the war in Iran. A "Caucasian Knot" Facebook post* stating that up to a million refugees could arrive in Armenia from Iran has garnered 229 comments as of 3:00 AM Moscow time today. Some commentators believe that aiding people fleeing war is the norm, while others, on the contrary, fear the increased burden on the economy and social sphere. Readers also noted that Azerbaijan's border with Iran remains closed, meaning refugees may be forced to flee to Armenia, which could impact both domestic stability in the country and relations between regional countries.

Some commentators believe that the influx of refugees will impact the housing market and drive up prices in the country, with some users noting that they have already observed similar effects during migration waves. They believe the authorities should first focus on helping those living in difficult circumstances in Armenia and then consider aiding refugees.

"Now housing prices will skyrocket—both for purchase and rent," worries Lolita Lobacheva. "Are you going to provide apartments or what? Maybe assign two people to each family," asks Zvard Minasyan.

"First, help the poor in Armenia. There are so many refugees from Karabakh, not to mention the villages. Children are huddled in ruined houses, starving. And helping your neighbors is also important, I'm not against it," suggests Svetlana Khachatrian. "[Why] do we need so much? We have nowhere to live ourselves. Give this money to your people," Garik Sarkisyan is indignant.

"This is of course right, we need to help the refugees, but those same Armenians live like in slums. When our artists help, you look - your heart breaks: large families, poor! In one room, if you can call it that "A room, can't you provide them with something?" asks Karina Vekilyan.

Other users believe that Armenians should show solidarity with people fleeing the bombings, especially since Armenia itself has repeatedly experienced humanitarian crises.

"Armenians have seen expulsion from their homelands. The pain of the Iranians today is close to our hearts, and we understand them very well. Barbarians destroy schools, kill children, kill the elderly and civilians - we have seen this. Brothers, we understand and accept you. God grant that this ends quickly, so that you can work on your land, as you have done for many thousands of years. We have been neighbors and relatives for hundreds of years," wrote Avo Isahakyan.

"Of course, we'll help, we'll help as much as we can. War doesn't last forever. Only our Armenians helped us. We have generous souls. We need to provide work so people don't go crazy. For example, I can shelter two Iranians and even give them work," suggests Armine Grigoryan.

Separately, commentators touched on the topic of who exactly might arrive in Armenia from Iran. They recalled that Iran has a fairly large Armenian diaspora, but some commentators believe that the refugees will not only include its representatives.

"We need to close the border, and if we let anyone in, then only Armenians and Persians," suggests Hakob Gasparyan. "There are a lot of Armenians in Iran, so they're probably fleeing to Armenia," noted Damir Bagat.

"It doesn't matter to us where an Armenian is, what matters is that he's Armenian, and everyone is welcome," wrote Liana Ohanyan-Assadorian. "We must accept Armenians from Iran, and it doesn't matter where they are from, they are Armenians. There is a good saying, 'Crowded, but comfortable,'" commented Natalia Vladek.

"Who said that only Armenians will come to us?! Iranians first and foremost, and now we have quite a few of them, and they are doing very well. "And why don't they want to move in with Aliyev?!" asks Nara Ar.

A debate arose in the comments about how countries neighboring Armenia and Iran should handle the influx of refugees. Some users wonder why other states in the region don't accept refugees. Other participants in the discussion respond that each country makes its own decisions about its own migration policy. politics.

"About 30 million Azerbaijanis live in Iran. "Why doesn't Azerbaijan open its borders to accept its refugees?" wrote Jenny Buquicchio. "Unlike you, we sent humanitarian aid to the Iranians," said Adyl Guseynzade.

"So why did you close the border with those you call your compatriots?" wrote Vladislav Avakyan. Karine Hovakimyan suggests that "refugees from Muslim countries should be accepted only by Muslim countries."

As a reminder, on February 28, Israel and the United States began striking Iran. Donald Trump announced the start of a large-scale military operation. In response, Iran began shelling Israel, the American Military facilities, as well as civilian targets in the Middle East, according to the Caucasian Knot report "Key Points on the Impact of the Military Conflict with Iran on the Caucasus".

The Caucasian Knot has compiled materials on the impact of military operations in Iran on the Caucasus on the thematic page "Iran: War Is Near".

* Meta (owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) is banned in Russia.