U.S. Plans to Repatriate 120 Iranians Held for Unauthorized Entry, According to Iranian Officials

— Iranian authorities have announced that 120 Iranians currently detained in America for entering the country without proper authorization will be sent back to Iran shortly.

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by Hossein Noushabadi, disclosed that up to 400 Iranian citizens could be repatriated due to an understanding reached with the U.S. government. Many of these individuals reportedly entered the United States illegally via the Mexican border, although some have other immigration violations.

Unconfirmed U.S. Acknowledgment

The Trump administration has not formally confirmed any deportation arrangement with Iran. Nevertheless, sources within the U.S. administration indicated to CBS News that a flight carrying fewer than 200 Iranians had been set for departure on Monday night.

The deportation initiative, detailed first by the New York Times, supposedly followed protracted negotiations.

Details of the Repatriation

Noushabadi noted that the initial group of deportees would land in Iran in a couple of days, having a stopover in Qatar, a detail unacknowledged by Qatari officials.

During the years surrounding the 1979 Iranian revolution, many Iranians fled to the United States. Over the ensuing decades, the U.S. has shown leniency towards those seeking asylum, often due to persecution related to religion, gender, or politics.

Historical Context and Current Developments

The U.S. has previously deported Iranians, the most recent case being February's transfer of some individuals to Panama.

Historically, Iran has criticized the U.S. for sheltering its dissidents. However, it is uncertain what modifications, if any, have been made in U.S. policy.

President Trump's renewed tenure has seen a stricter crackdown on illegal residents. He hinted at potential negotiations with Iran in the context of his broader Middle East diplomacy, aiming to include Iran in a peaceful arrangement with Israel and various Arab nations.

In discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Trump referred to the peace deal he fostered between Israel and Gulf states. He proposed that similar engagement could ultimately involve Iran, despite its antagonism towards Israel and its support for opposing groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.

Despite the Iranian broadcast that U.S. officials decided on these deportations independently, Iranian state media claims the decision was made without consulting Tehran.