TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — A second flight carrying Iranians deported from the United States has departed, following reports that Washington plans to send hundreds of prisoners back to the Islamic Republic.
This recent wave of deportations occurs against a backdrop of high tensions between Iran and the U.S., particularly after the U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites during a recent conflict with Israel. Activists abroad fear for the safety of these deportees as Iran's theocratic regime continues its crackdown on dissent, targeting intellectuals and increasing executions at an alarming rate.
In a report by Mizan news agency, an official from Iran's Foreign Ministry confirmed the deportation of 55 individuals who expressed a willingness to return due to discriminatory policies against Iranian nationals in the U.S.
Iranian officials have stated that these repatriations stem from legal reasons and breaches of immigration regulations. Yet the deportations may also hint at a shift in U.S. immigration policy under the current administration, focusing on curbing illegal immigration while historically sheltering Iranian dissidents since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the deportation flight, leaving uncertainty over its reception in Tehran. Nonetheless, the recent deportations indicate a significant policy shift, emphasizing the complexities of U.S.-Iran relations amidst ongoing geopolitical strife.
As tensions continue to simmer, the impact on those returning to Iran — especially given the country's history of targeting dissidents — remains a pressing concern for human rights advocates and can potentially exacerbate the already dire situation for many Iranians.
