Court Documents Show Iran Deportation Talks Continued During War

The Trump administration maintained contact with Iranian officials during the war to arrange the removal of Iranian nationals, newly unsealed court documents show. The discussions included submitting travel documents and considering possible ways to carry out deportations. As recently as mid-October, the administration told the court it had plans to send Iranians through an unnamed third country, though the timing was unclear.

A judge ordered the government to provide 24 hours’ notice to the court of any finalized deportation plan involving Iran or another country, and five days’ written notice before carrying it out. During an October 15 hearing, Judge Ana Reyes challenged the prospect of returning people to a country the U.S. president had described as an enemy. A Justice Department lawyer replied that the government was carrying out lawful removal orders.

The discussions are part of a lawsuit alleging that U.S. immigration agencies shared confidential information about Iranian asylum seekers with Iran’s government, putting them at risk. The Department of Homeland Security has denied sharing asylum application records with Iranian officials.

Emails cited in the case show U.S. immigration officials coordinated with Iran to arrange flights returning more than 100 Iranians in September and December 2025 and January 2026. Deportations to Iran have historically been rare because the two countries lack diplomatic relations and returnees could face persecution.

The Trump administration has also transferred migrants, Iranians among them, to countries that were not their home nations. The court’s notice requirements now apply if the government finalizes another deportation plan covered by the order.

War-Era Deportation Talks Put Iranian Asylum Seekers at Risk

Even during a war with Iran, the Trump administration kept channels open with Iranian officials to arrange removals, court documents show. The discussions involved travel documents and possible ways to deport Iranians; by mid-October, the government had told a court it was considering sending them through an unnamed third country.

The case raises urgent questions about the safety of people seeking asylum. The lawsuit alleges that U.S. immigration agencies shared confidential information about Iranian asylum seekers with Iran’s government, exposing them to danger. DHS denies sharing asylum application records. At an October 15 hearing, Judge Ana Reyes questioned sending people to a country the president had called an enemy; a Justice Department lawyer said the government was executing removal orders.

A judge has required 24-hour notice to the court of any finalized plan to deport Iranians to Iran or another country, plus five days’ written notice before a removal. The order offers a measure of judicial oversight as the administration pursues removals despite the risks raised in court.

Emails cited in the case show officials coordinated flights returning more than 100 Iranians in September and December 2025 and January 2026. Deportations to Iran have long been uncommon because of the absence of diplomatic relations and the possibility of persecution. The administration has also transferred migrants, Iranians among them, to countries where they have no connection.

Court Sets Notice Rules for Lawful Iranian Deportations

The Trump administration’s effort to enforce removal orders continued during the war with Iran, with officials discussing travel documents and possible routes for deportation, court documents show. In mid-October, the government told the court it had plans to send Iranians through an unnamed third country, though no timing was specified.

A Justice Department lawyer told Judge Ana Reyes the government was carrying out lawful removal orders after she raised concerns about returning people to Iran. The judge ordered the government to notify the court 24 hours before any deportation plan is finalized and provide five days’ written notice before a removal. Those requirements preserve court oversight while allowing the government to pursue removals under the law.

The case also includes allegations that immigration agencies shared confidential asylum information with Iran’s government. DHS denies sharing asylum application records. The allegations remain part of an ongoing lawsuit, distinct from the administration’s stated position that it is executing removal orders.

Emails cited in the case show U.S. immigration officials worked with Iranian officials to arrange flights that returned more than 100 Iranians in September and December 2025 and January 2026. Deportations to Iran are historically rare because the countries have no diplomatic relations and returnees may face persecution. The administration has also used third countries for removals when direct returns pose diplomatic hurdles.