The United States plans to deport around 400 Iranian nationals, the majority of whom entered the country illegally, according to a senior Iranian official. The move comes as part of President Donald Trump’s broader crackdown on illegal immigration.
Foreign ministry consular affairs official Hossein Noushabadi told the Tasnim news agency
In the first step, they decided to deport 120 Iranians who entered the U.S. illegally, most of whom through Mexico.
The first group of 120 deportees is expected to reach Iran within the next one or two days. A U.S.–chartered flight departed from Louisiana on Monday and was scheduled to arrive in Iran via Qatar, The New York Times reported.
Noushabadi urged the U.S. to uphold the rights of Iranian migrants, emphasizing that
Some (returnees) had residence permits but due to reasons stated by the U.S. immigration office they were included in the list. Of course, their own consent was obtained for their return.
The deportation deal marks a significant instance of cooperation between the two countries after months of negotiations. Earlier this year, the U.S. also deported Iranians to Central American countries including Panama and Costa Rica.
The Trump White House has emphasized that its immigration policies aim to curb illegal border crossings—which surged under the Biden administration.
