TEHRAN, Iran (OnPoint) — The Iranian government confirmed the arrival of a second flight carrying deported Iranians from the United States, reflecting ongoing tensions between the two countries. This event occurs as Washington is reportedly preparing to return hundreds of prisoners back to Iran.
The deportations follow a period of heightened tensions that culminated in U.S. military strikes against Iranian nuclear sites earlier this year during a 12-day war between Iran and Israel. Many activists outside of Iran have expressed deep concerns regarding the safety of those deported, fearing that they may face persecution and harsh treatment upon returning to a regime that is increasingly cracking down on dissent.
Mohammad Shasti Karimi, an official with Iran's Foreign Ministry, provided details about the operation, noting that 55 Iranians were willing participants in the return due to what he described as discriminatory practices against foreign nationals in the U.S. Additionally, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei confirmed plans for the return of these individuals as part of a broader U.S. enforcement against illegal immigration.
The U.S. has not yet officially acknowledged the arrival of the deportation flight, and whether it has landed in Tehran remains uncertain, as officials from the Department of Homeland Security and State Department have not commented on the matter.
The controversy over the deportations underscores a complex history. In an era marked by the Trump administration's focus on aggressive immigration policies, the U.S. has also historically been a refuge for many Iranian dissidents since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The current discussions indicate a possible shift in this long-standing practice, sparking concern among various communities.
As more deportees are scheduled to be returned, fears grow about their treatment back in Iran, where the political atmosphere continues to suppress dissidence.
