Iran says 120 of its nationals are being deported from the US, as part of President Donald Trump's crackdown on immigration. 'These individuals will return to the country within the next one or two days,' Iranian foreign ministry official Hossein Noushabadi told Iran's Tasnim state news agency. He stated that most of those being flown to Iran, via Qatar, had entered the US illegally - mainly through Mexico.
There has been an increased number of Iranians entering the US in recent years, including many who fear persecution at home. The BBC has approached the White House and the US State Department for comment. Noushabadi indicated that some deported individuals even held valid US residency permits, stating that US officials had sought their consent for their return. He urged the US government to 'respect the rights of Iranian migrants and their citizenship rights under international law.'
According to reports, the flight of deportees is expected to arrive in Iran later on Tuesday. Iran has been collaborating with the US on a deal to manage the deportation process through its US Interests Section at the Pakistani embassy in Tehran. This situation reflects rare cooperation between Iran and the US, which do not maintain formal diplomatic relations.
In total, approximately 400 Iranian nationals are anticipated to be deported from the US, with this flight representing the first phase of the operation. The US government has previously established bilateral deportation agreements with several countries, aiming to streamline its immigration enforcement policies. Earlier this year, nations like Panama and Costa Rica have agreed to accept migrants from the US.
President Trump has consistently pledged to curb immigration, planning to deport a record number of individuals residing in the country without legal status, including those from nations with controversial human rights records. Critics argue that such deportations could expose migrants to potential harm upon their return. In Iran, the human rights situation has already come under scrutiny, with organizations highlighting a significant increase in executions this year. Thus, the implications of these deportations linger, posing ethical questions about human rights and the responsibilities of nations regarding their citizens.
There has been an increased number of Iranians entering the US in recent years, including many who fear persecution at home. The BBC has approached the White House and the US State Department for comment. Noushabadi indicated that some deported individuals even held valid US residency permits, stating that US officials had sought their consent for their return. He urged the US government to 'respect the rights of Iranian migrants and their citizenship rights under international law.'
According to reports, the flight of deportees is expected to arrive in Iran later on Tuesday. Iran has been collaborating with the US on a deal to manage the deportation process through its US Interests Section at the Pakistani embassy in Tehran. This situation reflects rare cooperation between Iran and the US, which do not maintain formal diplomatic relations.
In total, approximately 400 Iranian nationals are anticipated to be deported from the US, with this flight representing the first phase of the operation. The US government has previously established bilateral deportation agreements with several countries, aiming to streamline its immigration enforcement policies. Earlier this year, nations like Panama and Costa Rica have agreed to accept migrants from the US.
President Trump has consistently pledged to curb immigration, planning to deport a record number of individuals residing in the country without legal status, including those from nations with controversial human rights records. Critics argue that such deportations could expose migrants to potential harm upon their return. In Iran, the human rights situation has already come under scrutiny, with organizations highlighting a significant increase in executions this year. Thus, the implications of these deportations linger, posing ethical questions about human rights and the responsibilities of nations regarding their citizens.
