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Tehran Asks U.S. to Release 19 Iranian Citizens Tehran Asks U.S. to Release 19 Iranian Citizens
(34 minutes later)
Turning the tables on the United States, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Wednesday that the American authorities were holding 19 Iranian citizens on what it described as unfounded charges of sanctions violations and called for their release.Turning the tables on the United States, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Wednesday that the American authorities were holding 19 Iranian citizens on what it described as unfounded charges of sanctions violations and called for their release.
While Iranian officials have referred previously to what they have called the issue of Iranians in American custody, the latest assertion was specific about the exact number being held and the reason they had been imprisoned. While Iranian officials have referred previously to what they call the issue of Iranians in American custody, the latest assertion was specific about the number being held and the reason they had been imprisoned.
The Iranian statement came as the United States has been pressing Iran to release three American citizens of Iranian descent — including Jason Rezaian, the Washington Post’s correspondent in Tehran — and to provide information about a fourth American missing for eight years. The Iranian statement came as the United States has been pressing Iran to release three Americans of Iranian descent — including Jason Rezaian, the Washington Post’s correspondent in Tehran — and to provide information about a fourth American missing for eight years.
Anger over the imprisoned and missing Americans has been a festering issue in the estranged relationship between Iran and the United States. Talks to resolve it were held on the sidelines of the negotiations on Iran’s disputed nuclear activities, which were concluded in July with an agreement, but there has been no further word on the prisoner issue. Anger over the imprisoned and missing Americans has been a festering issue in the estranged relationship between Iran and the United States. Talks to resolve it were held on the sidelines of the negotiations on Iran’s nuclear activities, which were concluded in July with an agreement, but there has been no further word on the prisoner issue.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Marzieh Afkham, was quoted by the Tasnim News Agency as saying at a weekly briefing in Tehran that “19 Iranians are in custody on charge of alleged violation of U.S.-imposed sanctions.” Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Marzieh Afkham, was quoted by the Tasnim News Agency as saying at a briefing in Tehran that “19 Iranians are in custody on charge of alleged violation of U.S.-imposed sanctions.”
Ms. Afkham did not identify the 19 by name, but according to the Tasnim account, she said, “Iran is pursuing the fate of its nationals, and urges the U.S. administration to put an end to their incarceration.” She said nothing about the Americans held in Iranian prisons. Ms. Afkham did not identify the 19 by name, but according to the Tasnim account, she said, “Iran is pursuing the fate of its nationals, and urges the U.S. administration to put an end to their incarceration.” She said nothing about Americans held in Iran.
The State Department spokesman, John Kirby, redirected a request for comment about Ms. Afkham’s statement to the Justice Department, where a spokesman did not immediately respond. A State Department spokesman redirected a request for comment about Ms. Afkham’s statement to the Justice Department, which did not immediately respond.
Ms. Afkham’s statement came a day after a deputy foreign minister, Hassan Qashqavi, denied what he described as news media speculation that Iran was planning to exchange Mr. Rezaian for any Iranians held by the United States. Ms. Afkham’s statement came a day after a deputy foreign minister, Hassan Qashqavi, denied that Iran was planning to exchange Mr. Rezaian for Iranians held by the United States.
Mr. Rezaian has been incarcerated in Tehran for 13 months on charges including espionage and hostile acts, and his closed trial concluded on Aug. 10. No verdict has been announced. Mr. Rezaian, who has denied all wrongdoing, faces up to 20 years in prison, his Iranian lawyer has said. Mr. Rezaian has been incarcerated in Tehran for 13 months on charges including espionage and hostile acts, and his closed trial ended Aug. 10. No verdict has been announced. Mr. Rezaian, who has denied wrongdoing, faces up to 20 years in prison, his Iranian lawyer has said.
The other two Americans of Iranian descent held in Iran are Amir Hekmati, a Marine veteran serving a 10-year term on charges of aiding a hostile country — meaning the United States — and Saeed Abedini, a Christian pastor serving eight years on charges of undermining national security by holding Bible study in private homes. Both have asserted their innocence. The other two Americans of Iranian descent held in Iran are Amir Hekmati, a Marine veteran serving 10 years on charges of aiding a hostile country (the United States) and Saeed Abedini, a Christian pastor serving eight years on charges of undermining national security. Both deny wrongdoing.
Robert A. Levinson, a former FBI agent, has been missing in Iran since 2007.Robert A. Levinson, a former FBI agent, has been missing in Iran since 2007.