Iranian authorities are currently holding at least four Iranian-American citizens—two men and two women—according to a New York Times report citing human rights groups, lawyers, and the non-profit Hostage Aid Worldwide. The organization, founded by former hostages to assist families, maintains contact with relatives and friends of current detainees. Sources indicate three of the Americans are imprisoned, while the fourth has been barred from leaving the country.
These detentions are likely to exacerbate the already strained political relations between Tehran and Washington. The development follows the United States joining Israel in attacks against Iran in June, which resulted in the bombing and significant damage to three Iranian nuclear sites.
Human rights groups state that all four detained individuals resided in the United States and had traveled to Iran to visit relatives. Families of three detainees have requested their names remain undisclosed, fearing publication could worsen their situation.
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