Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Gregory Meeks and Michael McCaul, Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, sent a letter urging President Biden to “prioritize securing the release of American citizens unjustly imprisoned in Iran.” 

“Several Americans are currently unjustly imprisoned or otherwise prevented from leaving Iran, including Siamak Namazi, Baquer Namazi, and Emad Shargi, as well as British-born American citizen Morad Tahbaz. They have endured years of false allegations, wretched conditions, and separation from their loved ones simply because they are Americans. The United States has a responsibility to its citizens to bring all of its leverage to bear to get its citizens home. Additionally, the Iranian regime must provide a full account for the fate of Robert Levinson, following his family’s announcement of the conclusion that Mr. Levinson died in Iranian custody.”

The full letter can be found here and below.

Dear President Biden,

We write to urge you to urgently prioritize securing the release of American citizens unjustly imprisoned in Iran. While we share different views of the appropriate strategy to take regarding Iran’s nuclear program, we are in full agreement that getting our Americans home must be the highest priority.

Several Americans are currently unjustly imprisoned or otherwise prevented from leaving Iran, including Siamak Namazi, Baquer Namazi, and Emad Shargi, as well as British-born American citizen Morad Tahbaz. They have endured years of false allegations, wretched conditions, and separation from their loved ones simply because they are Americans. The United States has a responsibility to its citizens to bring all of its leverage to bear to get its citizens home. Additionally, the Iranian regime must provide a full account for the fate of Robert Levinson, following his family’s announcement of the conclusion that Mr. Levinson died in Iranian custody.

We urge you to ensure that the freedom of all hostages is secured as soon as possible – no American should be left behind.

We stand ready to assist you in these efforts.

Sincerely,

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