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2h ago

First U.S. Deportation Flight of Iranians Leaves Louisiana After Rare Coordination With Tehran

UNHCR says it was not consulted and stresses states’ obligations to protect access to asylum and prevent refoulement.

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The deportations are a rare example of co-operation between Washington and Tehran. LightRocket / Getty Images

Overview

  • A U.S.-chartered plane carrying roughly 100–120 Iranian nationals departed Louisiana and was due to transit Qatar before continuing to Tehran, according to officials cited by multiple outlets.
  • An Iranian foreign ministry official says this is the first phase of a plan to return about 400 people, with roughly 120 expected to arrive in Iran within one or two days.
  • Those on the flight include people who entered the U.S. irregularly, individuals with denied or pending asylum claims, and some who reportedly held U.S. residency permits; some consented to return while others did not.
  • The operation represents uncommon U.S.–Iran coordination despite wider tensions, and U.S. agencies did not publicly confirm details when asked for comment.
  • The UN refugee agency notes it was not consulted and rights advocates warn that removals to Iran raise serious due‑process and safety concerns given the country’s documented human‑rights record.