Overview
- Tehran’s foreign ministry said roughly 55 people are due to return in the second repatriation, with CNN reporting the flight is expected to reach Iran via a Kuwait stopover on December 7.
- U.S. authorities previously identified about 400 Iranians for removal, and the first flight carried around 120 people to Tehran via Qatar in October.
- Because the two countries lack formal diplomatic relations, the transfers have relied on interest-protection offices and third-country intermediaries.
- Human-rights groups object to the expulsions, and CNN quoted an individual slated for removal who said he fled over his sexuality and fears severe punishment if returned.
- ICE declined to confirm operational details, citing the safety of the flight and its passengers, as the administration also recently paused pending immigration applications for nationals from 19 countries including Iran.