Two American citizens remain detained in Iran on suspicion of spying for Israel following last month’s 12-day conflict, according to Israeli state media.
One of the men, a Jewish American from Los Angeles with Iranian roots, was recently released on bail. The other, a New York resident, remains in custody. Both were visiting relatives in Iran when they were arrested amid a broader crackdown targeting individuals suspected of collaborating with Israel.
Newsweek has reached out the State Department as well as the foreign ministries of Iran and Israel.
Why It Matters
The detentions reflect Tehran’s intensifying efforts to root out alleged espionage, heightening concerns over the safety of dual nationals—especially Americans—and increasing tensions between Iran and the West.
These arrests point to heightened risks for those perceived to have ties to Israel and likely will further strain already tense U.S.-Iran relations, with the U.S. State Department repeatedly warning against travel to Iran, citing the real danger of wrongful detention on espionage charges.
What To Know
Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported that following the conflict with Israel, Iranian authorities arrested at least 35 Jews suspected of spying, including the two Americans.
The New York resident, who had left Iran 30 years ago, traveled back to visit family. The other detainee, the Los Angeles resident with Iranian heritage, was arrested alongside him but has since been released on bail.
“They came to the wrong place at the wrong time,” Israel’s Ynet news port quoted an anonymous legal representative involved in the case as saying.
Ongoing Negotiations
Homayoun Sameyah Najafabadi, a Jewish member of Iran’s parliament, told local media he had secured the release of several detainees and confirmed that espionage charges were dropped against those held in Tehran. Some were released on light bail, he said, expressing hope that the remaining detainees would soon be freed.
However, it was not entirely clear which specific detainees Najafabadi was referring to. He said he was also pursuing the release of detainees in Alborz and Shiraz provinces.
Spy Arrests
Iranian authorities launched a campaign to shore up domestic security after Israel’s attack on June 13, and it continued after the ceasefire on June 24. Iran has detained more than 700 individuals accused of collaborating with Israel or other hostile foreign governments. The crackdown has included mass arrests, swift trials and multiple executions involving alleged spies.
U.S. Government Warnings
U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce has warned that Americans, including dual nationals, risk wrongful detention in Iran. The department’s website states: “Americans, including Iranian-Americans and other dual nationals, have been wrongfully detained, taken hostage by the Iranian government for months, and years.”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has urged judicial and intelligence officials to ease fears among Iranians abroad, despite the recent detentions. “These individuals are also assets of this land,” he said.
What People Are Saying
Homayoun Sameyah Najafabadi, member of Iranian parliament:
“We hope the remaining two individuals in Tehran will also be freed soon.”
Tammy Bruce, U.S. State Department spokesperson:
“Americans, including Iranian-Americans and other dual nationals, have been wrongfully detained, taken hostage by the Iranian government for months, and years. The threat of detention is even greater today. Do not travel to Iran under any circumstances.”
What Happens Next
The spate of arrests in Iran are fueling concerns over politically motivated detentions and fears of a wider conflict. Meanwhile, negotiations between Iranian judicial officials are ongoing to secure the release of those still in custody.
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