Two US Citizens Detained While Attempting To Leave Iran
Two US citizens were reportedly detained by Iranian security forces while attempting to leave the country last week, according to an internal US State Department cable reviewed by Reuters.
The cable, dated Friday, 20 June, cited an unnamed family member who said the pair were stopped at a land border crossing. While the exact location and circumstances of the detention remain unclear, the report has raised fresh concerns over the safety of American nationals in Iran.
According to the cable, hundreds of US citizens departed Iran via land routes last week. However, Reuters reported that “numerous” Americans were subjected to harassment by Iranian security personnel while crossing the border. Others were able to leave the country without incident.
The internal communication stressed the importance of providing protection and assistance to American citizens seeking to exit Iran safely.
The US State Department has not issued a public statement regarding the report. Iranian authorities have also not commented on the detentions or the broader situation at the border.
