TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — A second flight carrying Iranians deported from the United States has left American soil, according to Iranian officials. Reports indicate that the U.S. plans to send hundreds of people back to Iran.
These deportations come amid heightened tensions between Iran and the U.S., particularly after the U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites during the recent conflict between Israel and Iran in June. There are growing concerns among activists about the safety of those being sent back, given Iran’s harsh treatment of dissenters and its rising execution rates.
A report from Mizan, the Iranian judiciary’s news agency, stated that 55 Iranians were deported, with Iranian Foreign Ministry official Mojtaba Shasti Karimi noting that these individuals opted to return to Iran due to what he described as America’s unfair immigration policies. He emphasized that the U.S. has discriminated against Iranians.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei confirmed the return of these 55 individuals, framing their deportation as a legal matter concerning immigration violations. However, the U.S. government has not publicly commented on the flight’s status, leaving uncertainty about the plane’s arrival in Tehran.
These deportations highlight a significant shift in U.S. policy under President Donald Trump, whose administration has focused on curbing illegal immigration, a departure from the U.S. tradition of welcoming Iranian dissidents since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
In September, Iranian officials hinted that as many as 400 Iranians could be repatriated under the current policies, with the first flight already having arrived in Tehran. Historically, many Iranians fled to the U.S. after the revolution, seeking refuge from political, religious, or sexual persecution. While Iran claims only those with criminal charges face legal consequences, the situation remains tricky as the government has previously detained Westerners and those with foreign ties for potential prisoner exchanges.
The tension between the two nations has deepened, with Iran criticizing the U.S. for sheltering dissidents. Interestingly, U.S. officials have even alleged that Iran has attempted to silence its critics in America through targeted attacks.
This situation underlines ongoing geopolitical struggles, with deportations serving as a reminder of the complex relationship between the U.S. and Iran. As of now, the future of Iranian dissidents remains uncertain, highlighting pressing issues regarding human rights and international relations.
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