Iran says 120 of its nationals are being deported from the US, as part of President Donald Trump's crackdown on immigration. 'These individuals will return to the country within the next one or two days,' Iranian foreign ministry official Hossein Noushabadi told Iran's Tasnim state news agency. He mentioned that most of those deported had entered the US illegally, primarily through Mexico. The phenomenon of Iranians entering the US has increased in recent years, particularly among those fearing persecution in their homeland. The BBC has sought comments from the White House and the US State Department. Noushabadi also claimed that some deportees held valid US residency permits, adding that US officials had sought their consent for the return. He urged the US government to 'respect the rights of Iranian migrants' under international law. According to the New York Times, citing senior Iranian officials, the deportees' flight is expected to arrive in Iran shortly. This situation marks a rare cooperative effort between Iran and the US, who do not maintain formal diplomatic relations. Noushabadi indicated that this deportation is part of a larger arrangement, potentially involving around 400 Iranian nationals. The US has established similar deportation agreements with several other countries, including recent deals with Panama and Costa Rica to accept migrants. Trump has vowed to reduce immigration levels significantly and to deport a notable number of individuals lacking legal status, including those from countries with questionable human rights records. His policies have faced sharp criticism from human rights advocates, who warn that deportees risk returning to nations where they could face harm.