New Warning for Travel to Iran; Harassment of Americans Continues Even After JCPOA

The U.S. State Department has issued a new advisory regarding travel for American citizens to Iran, warning about the detention of U.S. citizens in Iran, especially those with dual nationality. This new advisory, posted on the State Department's website on Monday, March 14, replaces a previous statement issued on January 29, 2016, reiterating the risks of arrest for American citizens, particularly those with Iranian-American dual nationality. The U.S. State Department emphasized in this statement that 'various elements (and forces) in Iran continue to have a hostile approach toward the United States.' Since the signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and six world powers in July of this year, Iran has continued to harass, detain, and arrest American citizens, especially dual nationals. Despite the release of several American citizens imprisoned in Iran during a prisoner exchange on February 16 of this year, reports indicate that Baqer Namazi, an Iranian-American citizen and former UNICEF representative in African countries, was arrested in early March. Additionally, his son Siamak Namazi, also an Iranian-American citizen, remains imprisoned in Iran. The U.S. State Department also stated that due to the lack of diplomatic relations between Iran and the U.S., consular services for those citizens who get caught are limited. The statement clarified that although the Swiss embassy in Tehran acts as the U.S. interests protection office, it is unable to provide many services to American citizens in Iran. The U.S. State Department further warned that since Iran does not recognize dual nationality, the Swiss embassy is also not permitted to provide supportive services to Iranian-American dual nationals.