TEHRAN – Iran’s Justice Department has pledged to defend the rights of 115 citizens who have been recently deported from the United States, emphasizing that while movement falls under US domestic law, returning members are entitled to full protection as Iranian citizens.
Askar Jalarian, assistant minister for human rights and international affairs, told Mizan News Agency that it landed in Tehran at 3am on Wednesday after a flight carrying deported Iranians passed Qatar. He emphasized that none of the returnees were prisoners or that no criminal cases were pending.
“This interest did not fall under the formal duties of the Department of Justice regarding the transfer of citizens convicted under the judiciary agreement,” Jalarian explained. “Nevertheless, from a human and citizenship perspective, the ministry is tracking their situation and intervene when legal action is required.”
The official highlighted that all Iranians are perceived as citizens under Iran’s single-state law, regardless of where they reside or whether they hold dual nationality. “They enjoy the full rights of Iranian citizens and their hometowns are always welcomed,” he said.
Jallalian noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies are ready to coordinate repatriation and pursue violations of the rights of exiles through legal channels.
Speaking to Western media, Jalarian, who claims that some deportees are facing “special circumstances,” stressed that “no one will be charged and will not carry out such issues” unless the lawsuit is formally filed in judicial terms.
He concluded that deportation is a matter of US domestic policy, but Iran is committed to supporting its people. “If any of these compatriots feel they are being treated unfairly, they may move forward their concerns. The Ministry of Justice is ready to hear and address their requests through its legal and consular committee.”
Hossein Nouhabadi, the head of the Consular Consular Affairs Bureau of Iran’s Foreign Ministry, said U.S. immigration authorities are preparing to deport nearly 400 Iranian citizens, according to a statement carried by Tasnim News Agency.
The move, which has not been officially confirmed by the Trump administration, comes amidst the rise in tensions between Tehran and Washington following a US-Israel bombing over Iran during the 12-day conflict in June.
It also forms part of a broader US campaign aimed at immigrants and asylum seekers, and President Trump vows to launch the largest massive deportation effort in American history.