US Deporting Iranians Amid Nuclear Tensions
U.S. Begins Deportation of Iranians Amid Tensions Over Nuclear Dispute
WASHINGTON/TEHRAN – The United States has begun deporting a group of Iranian nationals, including both convicted criminals and undocumented migrants, in what officials describe as a consular matter rather than a political deal.
A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that a chartered flight carrying the first group of 120 Iranians left Louisiana on Monday and was set to arrive in Qatar on Tuesday. From there, the group would be transferred onto a Tehran-bound flight.
The deportation marks a rare moment of coordination between Washington and Tehran, despite ongoing tensions over Iran’s nuclear program. The U.S. accuses Tehran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons, while Iran insists its program is for civilian purposes.
Iranian Response
Hossein Noushabadi, director general for parliament affairs at Iran’s foreign ministry, said the U.S. plans to deport around 400 Iranians, most of whom entered the country illegally.
“In the first step, they decided to deport 120 Iranians who entered the U.S. illegally, most of them through Mexico,” he told the semi-official Tasnim news agency.
Noushabadi urged Washington to respect the rights of Iranian migrants and noted that some of those being returned had residence permits but were still included in the deportation list. “Of course, their own consent was obtained for their return,” he added.
Rights Concerns
The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said it had not been consulted on the deportations and reminded states of their obligations under international law.
“People in need of international protection must not be returned to a place where they face risk of harm,” the agency stated.
Trump’s Deportation Drive
According to U.S. media reports, some Iranians had volunteered to return after months in detention, while others had not. The deportations come as President Donald Trump pushes to carry out record levels of removals of undocumented migrants, following a surge in border crossings under his predecessor, Joe Biden.
The administration has faced challenges in scaling up deportations but has sought alternative routes, including a deal with Panama earlier this year that allowed deportations of nationals from multiple countries, including Iran.
Despite the political backdrop, Iranian officials stressed the matter was strictly consular and unrelated to broader disputes with Washington, which joined Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June.
Mutib Khalid is a skilled content writer and digital marketer with a knack for crafting compelling narratives and optimizing digital strategies. Excel in creating engaging content that drives results and enhances online presence. Passionate about blending creativity with data-driven approaches, Mutib Khalid helps brands connect with their audience and achieve their goals.
