Washington, DC – Today, Foreign Policy for America is thrilled to see Siamak Namazi, Emad Sharghi, Morad Tahbaz, and two other Americans, who have all been unjustly detained in Iranian prison for years, safely returned to the United States. It is always a good day when we can bring American detainees home and reunite them with their loved ones.
Today’s achievement, which also secures concessions from the Iranian regime, delivering much-needed humanitarian relief to the Iranian people, is a testament to the Biden Administration’s skillful diplomacy. It is also the latest reminder that President Biden has made the release and return of American hostages a priority. We commend the Biden Administration for its tireless work on behalf of Americans detained abroad, and for its continued embrace of diplomacy to advance American interests.
“These Americans should never have been detained in the first place,” said former Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, who recently joined FP4A’s advisory board. “Their long-overdue release affirms that the Administration’s approach of steady, tough and resolute diplomatic engagement with Iran is the right one after years of a failed ‘maximum pressure’ only approach.”
Now that these Americans are safely home, we hope the United States and Iran can use this diplomatic achievement as an opening to further deescalate tensions, including by meaningfully re-engaging on limiting Iran’s nuclear program.
“It’s not too late for the United States and Iran to find common ground to prevent Iran’s acquisition of a nuclear weapon,” said FP4A Senior Policy Director Bill Monahan. “This development can provide much needed momentum to address outstanding concerns.”
###
