The US Commission on International Religious Freedom has called on the US government to “demand accountability for Iran’s religious freedom violations” in tomorrow’s planned discussions between the two nations in Oman.

The independent, bipartisan group noted that Iran’s “egregious” religious-freedom violations had caused “hundreds” – including Christian converts – to flee the country, and called on the US government to ensure such religious refugees are not sent back to Iran.

“Ensuring that religiously persecuted Iranians are protected from the horrors awaiting them if refouled to Iran sends a clear signal that the US government prioritises freedom of religion or belief,” said USCIRF Vice Chair Meir Soloveichik.

“Iranians who dissent from the government’s endorsed religious interpretation —particularly converts from Islam—face severe government persecution for both their religious beliefs and for exercising their freedom to change these beliefs,” added USCIRF Chair Stephen Scheck. “The Trump administration must demand Iranian concessions on its systematic targeting of religious minorities, including those at risk of being repatriated, during upcoming talks in Oman.”

The commission also reiterated its calls for the permanent reauthorisation of the Lautenberg Amendment, which prioritises the resettlement of Iran’s persecuted religious minorities.

“Iran’s egregious persecution of religious minorities has caused hundreds of people to flee the country seeking humanitarian protection based on religious persecution,” USCIRF said.

“If sent back to Iran, these individuals face grave danger to their personal safety for exercising their right of freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including for changing their religion or belief.”

USCIRF highlighted the recent reports that a group of Iranian asylum-seekers were sent from the US to Panama, stating that “these individuals may be forcibly returned to Iran, where they are likely to experience persecution, harassment, torture, and prolonged imprisonment”.

Article18’s director, Mansour Borji, commented: “We are grateful to USCIRF for highlighting the situation of Iran’s religious refugees – including Christian converts – whose situation is unfortunately dire in many of the third countries in which hundreds continue to wait resettlement.

“We call on not only the US government but other nations too to open their doors to genuine converts to Christianity, whose risk of persecution should they be returned to Iran is beyond doubt.”