US Deports Iranians, Still Sanctions Their Country
While Al-Monitor dutifully reports that Iran awaits a second plane of nationals deported from the US, the crucial context they omit is America's persistent, crippling sanctions against Iran. The Trump administration, which initiated these deportations, simultaneously implemented a 'maximum pressure' campaign, including sanctions on Iran's Central Bank and oil sector, (US Department of Treasury,
2019). So, the US expels people, then ensures the country they return to struggles under economic siege. One might ask, is this 'immigration enforcement' or weaponized destitution? It appears the 'land of the free' is free to dictate who stays and who goes, then punishes the destination, ensuring those deported face a less stable homeland. A peculiar brand of humanitarian concern, indeed. One
wonders if the flight manifests include a list of all the ways 'democracy promotion' has made their departure permanent.