Seyyed Attaollah Mohajerani, the seventh Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, has recently become one of the prominent figures in the discussion about the return of Iranians abroad. Currently living in London, in response to inquiries about the possibility of his return to Iran, he referred to a tweet in which he mentioned Masoud Behnoud's return, stating: "Insha'Allah".
The Role of Cultural Figures in the Return Policy
These returns, especially after the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance announced the preparation of a list of over a hundred renowned individuals abroad, have garnered significant attention. Mohajerani is alongside figures such as Abdolkarim Soroush and Mohsen Kadivar, indicating the broader scope of this discussion. This issue is no longer limited to scattered invitations and has reached political and intellectual figures with diverse viewpoints.
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Government Positions and Facilitating Returns
Seyyed Abbas Salehi, Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, has emphasized in interviews that the return of Iranians abroad is on the government's agenda and this process has been pursued even before the recent wars. He also noted that the term "return" does not necessarily imply permanent residency, as individuals may return for short trips or to carry out programs.
Fatemeh Mohajerani, the government spokesperson, has also mentioned that Iranians who have not committed actions against the country can return to Iran. She emphasized that the obstacles to return are not necessarily security-related and may also involve legal and judicial issues. The government is working to facilitate the entry of Iranians into the country in coordination with other institutions.
The return of figures like Masoud Behnoud, who has a different background from other artists, adds new dimensions to this topic. Behnoud, who had to live abroad due to past legal cases, has now expressed his desire to return to Iran. This situation reflects the diversity in the positions of cultural and intellectual figures and indicates that living abroad should not prevent a return to one’s homeland.
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