Iran Calls for U.S. Explanation Over Detention of Nationals

Date: 16 July 2025 - 22:12

News ID: ۱۴۱۵۰۵

TEHRAN – Iran has strongly condemned the recent mass detention of Iranian nationals residing in the United States and denounced the inhumane treatment they have faced.
“This action by the U.S., which follows its support for the Zionist regime’s illegal military aggression against Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, is clearly contrary to internationally accepted legal standards,” Alireza Hashemi Raja, Director-General of Iranians Abroad at Iran’s Foreign Ministry, said.
He expressed serious concern over reports that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have “implemented harsh policies and carried out extensive law enforcement operations against Iranian nationals living in the U.S.,” creating “serious and growing worries for the families of those detained.”
Referring to the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, Hashemi Raja reminded the U.S. government of its obligation to “facilitate consular access to Iranian nationals at the earliest possible time through the Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Washington.”
“Despite our initial consular follow-ups, we have not received any convincing explanation for the reasons behind the arrests,” he added.
Describing the treatment of detained Iranians as “oppressive and inhumane,” he demanded “respect for their rights, immediate disclosure of their identities, and facilitation of consular access to provide necessary services.”
Hashemi Raja also stated, “Depriving hundreds of individuals of their residency rights in another country solely based on their nationality or religion is an example of racial discrimination and systemic racism by the US ruling authorities, violating international human rights norms, especially the principle of non-discrimination and fundamental human rights.”
He emphasized Iran’s strong commitment to protecting the rights of its citizens abroad.
“We will not hesitate to take any action necessary to safeguard the rights of Iranians against the discriminatory policies of the U.S. government.
“Any compatriot detained in the U.S. who wishes to return to their homeland will receive full support and assistance from the Iranian government.”