Iran has confirmed that more than 50 Iranian citizens will return from the United States. Recent US immigration policies affected many Iranians, making this repatriation a major topic as Iran prepares to welcome them home. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said its staff handled the process through Iran’s Interests Protection Office in Washington, following all legal and administrative steps. Officials emphasized that they carried out the repatriation according to proper procedures.
The ministry reported that US detention centers treated many Iranians harshly. Some authorities even mistreated returnees during earlier transfers to Iran. Iranian officials protested these actions through official channels. Spokespeople added that in the coming days, around 50 to 55 Iranian citizens will return. Many of them chose to come back voluntarily after facing pressure from US authorities. Officials stressed that every Iranian has the right to return home whenever they wish.
US sources said the authorities hold the returnees in an immigration detention center in Florence, Arizona. The US will first fly them to Egypt, then to Kuwait, and finally to Iran. Some returnees agreed to come voluntarily, but authorities may send a few who do not wish to leave. Iran repatriated a previous group of citizens in September. Officials returned around 120 migrants without proper documents at that time. Currently, US immigration detention holds over 2,000 Iranians who await decisions on their cases.
One returnee, who asked to remain anonymous, said they preferred to stay in detention rather than return to Iran. This individual belongs to a sexual minority and had previously traveled through Brazil and Mexico before entering the US. Traffickers abandoned them in Texas without food or supplies, but they managed to contact authorities for help. The return of these citizens highlights the ongoing challenges Iranians face abroad. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues monitoring cases and assisting those who want to return safely.