The first group of approximately 400 Iranians will be deported back to Iran this week, according to a U.S. and Iranian official. A second batch of 120 individuals will follow within two days. The deportees, mostly those who entered the U.S. illegally through Mexico, are set to arrive in Qatar on Tuesday before traveling to Iran.
Hossein Noushabadi, head of consular affairs at Iran’s foreign ministry, told Tasnim news agency that the Iranian government has urged the U.S. to “be sensitive in respecting the rights of Iranian immigrants.” Iran maintains an “interest protection office” in the Pakistani embassy in Washington, D.C.
The New York Times reported that the Trump administration agreed to deport “around 100” Iranians after negotiations between the two governments. A U.S. official confirmed a chartered flight departed Louisiana on Monday, with passengers expected to reach Qatar late Tuesday for transfer to a Tehran-bound flight. The White House and State Department did not respond to requests for comment.
The UNHCR stated it was not consulted about the deportations, emphasizing that “States must ensure access to asylum, due process, and respect for the principle of non-refoulement.” Some Iranians voluntarily left after months in detention, while others were deported against their will, according to The New York Times. Noushabadi noted some returnees had valid permits but were included in the list due to U.S. immigration decisions, with their consent obtained.