Seyyed Abbas Salehi, Iran’s Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, announced that lists containing the names of more than 100 cultural, artistic, and intellectual figures residing outside Iran have been compiled to “facilitate their return” to the country.
In a video interview with Farhikhtegan newspaper published on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, Salehi stated that these lists have been submitted to the authorities responsible for managing the return of Iranian expatriates.
He did not disclose the specific agencies receiving the lists, the criteria used to select individuals, or the names of the cultural and artistic figures included.
Referring to Abdolkarim Soroush and Mohsen Kadivar, two religious scholars critical of the Islamic Republic, the Minister of Culture said: “There are many figures outside the country, like Dr. Soroush or even Dr. Kadivar, who have stood by Iran. Setting aside their beliefs, and acknowledging that we might even have criticisms of them, those abroad often face more verbal abuse and pay a higher price than we do.”
He further claimed that the Islamic Republic is approaching the matter with an “open perspective,” adding that returning artists will not be required to perform or engage in any specific activity upon arrival.
