US, Iran coordinate deportation flights, over 100 Iranians

Newly released emails show U.S. immigration officials coordinated with Iranian authorities to deport more than 100 Iranians in 2025 and early 2026 across three flights, revealing a working relationship despite already-high tensions. The correspondence indicates Iranian officials could influence who was deported, with ICE officials reportedly approving last-minute changes requested by Tehran and amending manifests to expedite removals. Emails show Iran’s requests persisted up to the day of departures, including cases added by ICE and ongoing mentions of additional Iranians being considered for the flights. Some communications passed through Qatari intermediaries, and it remains unclear whether those deported volunteered or were compelled to return. The reporting aligns with broader U.S.-Iran frictions described during President Trump’s administration, highlighting a comparatively quiet but consequential channel shaping deportation flights amid a deadly 12-day conflict referenced in the materials. The accounts were published by multiple outlets after being obtained by the National Iranian American Council, underscoring a revealing glimpse into how policy and diplomacy intersected with enforcement actions.