The US government is deporting 120 Iranians after reaching a deal with Tehran, as part of a broader effort to crack down on immigration initiatives under President Donald Trump. Iranian foreign ministry official Hossein Noushabadi announced that these individuals are expected to return to Iran within a couple of days, primarily those who entered the country illegally via Mexico.
We have witnessed an increase in Iranian nationals migrating to the US in the last few years, often fleeing persecution at home. The Iranian government has suggested that some deportees held valid residency papers, indicating potential complications in their return. Furthermore, they criticized the US's approach to upholding the rights of Iranian migrants, urging adherence to international law.
According to reports, this flight of deportees marks the initial phase of a larger agreement, which could see up to 400 Iranians deported from the US. This cooperation between the US and Iran is notably rare, as the two nations have no formal diplomatic relations.
Human rights groups have expressed concern regarding Trump's deportation policies, particularly the risks associated with sending migrants back to countries known for human rights abuses. The Iranian regime has garnered international condemnation for its execution practices, further complicating the humanitarian implications of this deportation.
As the situation unfolds, the BBC has reached out to the White House and the US State Department for a response on this developing story.
