U.S. Commission Requests Raising ‘Iran Religious Freedom’ Issue in Oman Negotiations

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has requested the Trump administration to pursue the issue of “Iran’s religious freedom” in upcoming negotiations in Oman.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has presented its demand to the Trump administration regarding Iran’s accountability for violations of religious freedoms, urging that this matter be examined and pursued as one of the main topics in the forthcoming negotiations to be held in Oman.

The commission has issued a statement on this matter and warned that the intensification of persecution against religious and faith minorities in Iran has prompted migration and flight of minority citizens, particularly Christians, many of whom have sought asylum in host countries. Upon returning to Iran, they would face serious dangers including threats, torture, detention, exile, and lengthy imprisonment.

Stephen Schneck, chairman of the U.S. Commission, stated in the statement: “Iranians who disagree with government-approved religious interpretations (particularly Christian converts) face severe governmental persecution. The Trump administration should seek specific concessions from Iran in Oman negotiations regarding this systematic violation of religious freedoms.

Among those at risk are a group of Iranian Christian converts who fled Iran to the United States in February and currently reside in Panama. The Panamanian government has granted them a temporary 30-day permit with the possibility of a 90-day extension, but these individuals could still be returned to Iran, where they face the danger of persecution, torture, and lengthy imprisonment.”

Mira Salovych, vice chair of the U.S. Commission, also emphasized this matter, stating: “Supporting Iranians who are persecuted for religious reasons sends a clear message to the international community that religious freedom and belief are priorities for the American government.” He also called on the U.S. Congress to permanently extend the “Lautenberg Amendment.”

The “Lautenberg Amendment” was approved by the U.S. Congress over three decades ago to facilitate the acceptance of Jews fleeing the Soviet Union. American lawmakers expanded the program in 2004 to include religious minorities persecuted by Iran’s Islamic Republic.

The commission also noted that multiple reports document pressure on Christians in countries where asylum applications have been filed, and some have been convicted in court for Christian belief and activity yet face deportation to Iran. The commission recalled: “According to Article 33 of the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, returning a refugee to a country where they face threats to life or freedom based on religious grounds is explicitly prohibited.”

Talks between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s nuclear program are scheduled to begin on Saturday, April 12, in Oman. Although the United States has spoken of direct talks, the Iranian government continues to insist heavily on indirect negotiations.