US deports second charter flight of Iranian nationals to Tehran

The United States has carried out a second chartered deportation flight sending Iranian nationals back to Tehran, according to a report by The New York Times. The flight on Sunday marks another instance of operational coordination between Washington and Tehran, despite the two nations having no formal diplomatic relations for decades.

Flight Details and Conflicting Narratives

Citing two Iranian officials, the report stated the flight carried about 50 Iranian citizens. It originated from Mesa, Arizona, also transporting deportees from Arab countries and Russia, with stops in Egypt and Kuwait before proceeding to Iran. Mojtaba Shasti Karimi, Iran's Foreign Ministry consular director, told local media that Tehran expected around 55 returnees, framing their return as a response to "the racist and anti-immigration policies" of the US and citing "inhumane" treatment in detention.

US Response and Political Concerns

The US Department of Homeland Security declined to comment on the specific operation, while a US official characterized it as a routine deportation flight. The move sparked concern from US Representative Yassamin Ansari, an Iranian-American Democrat from Arizona, who warned on social media that the flight could include "vulnerable individuals who could face persecution" if returned to Iran.

Context of Expanded Deportation Campaign

This flight follows a similar deportation operation in September and is part of the Trump administration's broader push for large-scale removals. The policy has drawn criticism from human rights advocates who argue it may violate non-refoulement principles by returning individuals to countries where they risk serious harm. The continuing deportations underscore the complex intersection of immigration enforcement, foreign policy, and human rights.