KATHMANDU: Five Nepali nationals who had been imprisoned in Iran have safely returned to Nepal, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Friday.
In a press statement, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba informed that the individuals arrived in Kathmandu last night following sustained diplomatic efforts by the Government of Nepal.
According to the ministry, the repatriation was carried out amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran following the outbreak of conflict on June 13. Upon learning that five Nepalis were incarcerated in Iran, the government initiated diplomatic measures to ensure their release and safe return.
The Ministry coordinated closely with the Embassy of Nepal in Tel Aviv, the Embassy of Nepal in Doha, and the Honorary Consulate of Nepal in Tehran throughout the process.
These efforts led to the release order by an Iranian court and the eventual repatriation of the five individuals with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The Ministry also acknowledged that earlier, under India’s “Operation Sindhu,” nine Nepali nationals were rescued from Iran alongside Indian citizens and repatriated safely.
The Government of Nepal has expressed gratitude to the Government of India, the Iranian authorities, Nepal’s Honorary Consul in Tehran, and the IOM for their cooperation and goodwill in facilitating the return of the detained Nepalis.
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