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AP Exclusive: Trump administration held talks with Iran on deporting Iranians during the war
Compiled Nov 5
What happened
Trump administration held secret talks with Iran about deporting Iranians while the war in Iran was ongoing, according to newly unsealed court documents.
The detail
As of mid-October, the administration had plans to deport Iranians through an unnamed third country.
The detail
A judge ordered the government to give 24-hour notice of finalized deportation plans and five days' written notice before any deportation to Iran or another country.
The detail
The administration kept contacts with Iranian officials during the war to submit travel documents and discuss 'possible avenues for removal.'
How it unfolded
June: An Iranian woman was among two dozen migrants deported to the Central African Republic. · September 2025: First immigration flight carrying Iranians back to Iran occurred. · December 2025: Second immigration flight carrying Iranians back to Iran occurred. · January 2026: Third immigration flight carrying Iranians back to Iran occurred. · Oct. 15: Transcript shows Judge Reyes questioning DOJ attorney about deportation plans during the war. · Thursday: Court documents detailing the secret talks were unsealed.
By the numbers
mid-October timing of deportation plans · 24 hours notice requirement · 5 days written notice requirement · 100+ Iranians deported · three deportation flights
Still unresolved
DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment.