Second Flight of Iranians Deportees Leaves the U.S., Heightening Tensions

Mon Dec 08 2025 13:31:13 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As the U.S. prepares to send back hundreds of Iranian nationals, concerns rise regarding their safety upon return amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States following a recent military conflict.

A second flight carrying Iranians deported from the U.S. has taken off, with plans for many more to follow. Tensions between Iran and the U.S. are at an all-time high due to recent bombings by the U.S. and a strict immigration policy targeting Iranian nationals. Activist groups express fears for the safety of those returning to Iran amid political crackdowns.

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran confirmed that a second flight carrying nationals deported from the United States has departed, as Washington reportedly prepares to send hundreds more prisoners back to Iran amidst rising tensions between the two nations.

These deportations come in the wake of heightened hostilities following U.S. bombings of Iranian nuclear sites during Iran's short war with Israel in June. Activists abroad have raised concerns over the safety of these deportees, especially as Iran intensifies its crackdown on dissent, executing prisoners at alarming rates.

Reports from the Mizan news agency, which represents Iran's judiciary, indicated that 55 individuals were willing to return to Iran as they faced discriminatory policies in the U.S.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, confirmed plans for the return of these Iranians, citing legal issues with their residency in the U.S. Yet, U.S. officials did not immediately confirm the news or details about the flights.

The deportations are reflective of broader immigration policies introduced during President Trump's administration that prioritize expelling illegal immigrants, contrasting sharply with the U.S.'s historical stance of providing refuge to Iranian dissidents since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

In prior months, U.S. officials stated that as many as 400 Iranians might be deported under these new policies. The situation is complicated further by Iran's past of detaining Westerners for potential prisoner swaps.

As both nations navigate these complex dynamics, the safety and future of those returning to Iran remain a pressing concern for human rights advocates.