Overview
- North Rhine-Westphalia imposed a three-month suspension on returns to Iran, joining Rheinland-Pfalz and Schleswig-Holstein after fresh repression of protests there.
- NRW’s order runs until April 14, 2026 and, like other state measures, excludes people convicted of serious crimes, identified security threats, and so‑called “Gefährder”.
- Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt opposes a blanket federal stop, stressing the priority of removing serious offenders rather than issuing a national ban.
- Baden-Württemberg says it will continue efforts to deport certain serious offenders, while Niedersachsen cites Tehran’s lack of cooperation and reports no recent removals to Iran.
- Official figures show deportations to Iran are rare — 14 in 2024 and 17 last year — as refugee groups press for a federal halt and higher protection rates, noting sharply increased rejections of Iranian asylum claims.