The United States has initiated a large-scale deportation of approximately 400 Iranians, marking what officials describe as the largest mass deportation in U.S. history, with the first group transferred from Qatar to Tehran.

Most of these individuals entered the U.S. illegally through Mexico, though some held residence permits, and their deportation was carried out with their consent amid complex legal and logistical challenges.

The deportees include those with rejected or pending asylum claims, some of whom had volunteered to leave after detention, highlighting the complicated legal and humanitarian issues involved.

Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, stated that the deportation was a unilateral U.S. decision made without Iran's consultation, despite reports of months of discussions between the two countries.

Iranian authorities assured the deportees they would be safe and face no trouble upon return, although many were reportedly frightened or disappointed, with their identities and asylum claims remaining largely unknown.

The deportation process has faced legal and logistical hurdles, illustrating the complexities of current U.S. immigration enforcement policies.

The Biden administration is monitoring the ongoing deportations closely, as part of its record number of deportations of individuals without legal status, citing high illegal border crossings.

The U.S. government has not publicly commented on the deportations, raising concerns about the legal rights of some deportees, especially those holding valid U.S. residency permits, and seeking their consent for return.

Iranian officials, including top leaders, have dismissed diplomatic negotiations with the U.S. as a 'sheer dead end,' especially after Iran's failed efforts at the UN to oppose reimposed sanctions.

This deportation move coincides with Iran's diplomatic efforts at the UN, where Iranian leaders criticized U.S. policies and emphasized that negotiations are futile, reflecting heightened tensions.

Despite the tensions, Iran has engaged diplomatically by sending notes through its Interests Section in the U.S. and monitoring the situation, indicating a shift in U.S.-Iran relations.

Iran has criticized the U.S. for hosting dissidents and accused Iran of targeting dissidents in America, with recent tensions suggesting a possible change in diplomatic stance.

This operation follows previous deportations, including a 119-person transfer in February from various countries, including Iran, to Panama, showing an ongoing pattern of deportation activities.