The Digester

On Face the Nation, former detainees Siamak Namazi and Emad Shargi, family advocate Neda Sharghi and former U.S. hostage envoy Roger Carstens said Americans held in Iran face heightened danger amid the Israel-Iran conflict and urged U.S. leaders to name and prioritize their release.

Former detainees Siamak Namazi and Emad Shargi warned Americans in Evin face elevated risk from both prison authorities and wartime bombing.
At least four Americans are publicly reported detained in Iran, but former detainees say the real number may be six or higher.
Reza Valizadeh and Kamran Hekmati were recently designated as wrongfully detained and are believed to be held in Evin Prison.
Advocates say public designation gives the U.S. government broader authority to use diplomatic resources and families are urged to publicize names so detainees are not forgotten.
Past U.S. measures to secure releases have included prisoner swaps and frozen funds routed through third countries, but those options are politically and logistically complex.
Former U.S. hostage envoy Roger Carstens and advocates said negotiations tied to broader diplomacy and the war should include a clear priority to free detainees.

Former Iran detainees urge U.S. to prioritize Americans held in Evin Prison

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