Emails revealed: The United States and Iran cooperated despite tensions

A leak of emails between U.S. immigration officials reveals cooperation between the U.S. and Iran in coordinating the deportation of over 100 Iranian citizens back to Iran, with Iranian influence over the identities of those deported, against the backdrop of tensions between the countries and during the 12-day war in June 2025.

A leak of emails between U.S. immigration officials reveals cooperation between the United States and Iran in coordinating the deportation of over 100 Iranian citizens back to Iran. The emails, revealed by the National Iranian American Council, indicate coordination on three separate flights in September and December 2025, and January 2026. The correspondence shows that Iranian representatives had influence over the identities of the deported citizens, and that ICE authorities complied with requests for changes to deportation lists coming from Tehran. One official noted that he added cases at the request of the Iranian embassy, and another official reported a meeting with a manager at the Iranian embassy where he was asked to change a manifest and expedite removal. The coordination remained a high priority even during the 12-day war in June 2025, when the acting ICE director called the return of migrants a "priority." Another official urged finding a solution for "this White House priority." Additionally, 11 Iranian citizens claimed they were forced to meet with regime representatives while in custody. The deportations drew sharp criticism from human rights activists.