US to Deport 120 Iranians in Rare Agreement with Tehran

Fri Oct 03 2025 00:54:30 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In an unusual cooperation between the US and Iran, 120 Iranian nationals are set to be deported back to Iran as part of a broader immigration deal. This event highlights the complexities of immigration and bilateral relations amidst ongoing human rights concerns.

Iran has announced the deportation of 120 of its nationals from the US following an agreement with Tehran. The deportees, primarily individuals who crossed into the US illegally, are expected to return within a few days. The operation signifies a rare instance of cooperation between the two nations, which lack formal diplomatic ties, and raises discussions around immigration policies and human rights issues connected to the Iranian regime.

Iran says 120 of its nationals are being deported from the US as part of President Trump’s crackdown on immigration. These individuals will return to the country within the next one or two days, Iranian foreign ministry official Hossein Noushabadi told Iran’s Tasnim state news agency.

He mentioned that most of those being flown to Iran, via Qatar, had entered the US illegally — mainly through Mexico. A rise in Iranians entering the US in recent years has been observed, notably those fleeing persecution at home.

The BBC has approached the White House and the US State Department for comments. Noushabadi further claimed some deportees held valid US residency permits, asserting US officials had sought their consent for repatriation. He urged the US government to respect the rights of Iranian migrants and their citizenship rights under international law.

The New York Times cited two senior Iranian officials indicating the deportees' flight is expected to arrive in Iran later on Tuesday. This operation marks a rare collaboration between the US and Iran, particularly since both countries do not maintain formal diplomatic relations.

Noushabadi indicated that as part of this agreement, around 400 Iranian nationals are expected to be deported from the US, with the current flight regarded as the first phase. The US has already established similar deportation agreements with various countries, facilitating the return of migrants from Latin America and beyond.

President Trump has committed to reducing immigration to the US and intends to implement expansive deportation measures. However, it remains unclear if those deported are individuals with criminal records. Trump's immigration policies have faced substantial criticism from both domestic and international human rights organizations citing potential risks for deported individuals in their home countries.

Rights groups have condemned the Iranian regime's human rights record, especially regarding the increased use of the death penalty this year, prompting concerns about the safety of returning migrants. The Iranian government has defended its approach, stating that executions are reserved for the most severe crimes, a claim contested by various human rights advocates.