Proposed Resolution for the Release of Siamak Namazi and His Father in the U.S. Congress

A Democratic representative and a Republican representative are introducing a resolution for approval in the U.S. Congress that calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Siamak and Baqer Namazi, Iranian-American citizens imprisoned in Iran. This resolution has been proposed by Ed Royce, the Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Gary Conolly (Democrat). Royce states that it also calls on Barack Obama, the President of the United States, to spare no effort in securing the release of these two individuals. In a statement, Ed Royce said, "Iran's continued wrongful actions in imprisoning Americans is very troubling." He added, "Siamak and Baqer Namazi have the right to be freed and return to their families, and this resolution puts pressure on President Obama to intensify his efforts to bring them home." The proposed resolution asks the President of the United States to use "appropriate measures" to pressure Tehran if necessary. According to Reuters, this resolution does not specifically call for the use of "economic sanctions" due to a request from the Namazi family representative. In November 2015, informed sources confirmed the arrest of Siamak Namazi, an Iranian-American director of strategic planning at Crescent Oil Company. In March, Crescent announced that Siamak Namazi was no longer an employee of the company. Mr. Namazi was among those who criticized sanctions and their impact on the drug situation in Iran. He has also collaborated with organizations such as the National Endowment for Democracy. Baqer Namazi, his father, who is 80 years old, was arrested in the last days of the previous year. He also holds dual Iranian-American citizenship. The U.S. State Department has officially called for the swift release of both individuals and has expressed "deep" concern about their situation. John Kirby, a spokesperson for the department, stated that he is not aware of the charges against Siamak and Baqer Namazi. Sam Werberg, another spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, reiterated that they have no information on the charges against these individuals but believes that this detention is "unjust." Tehran had previously released five American citizens. However, in recent months, the trend of detaining dual nationals in Iran has intensified; Homa Hoodfar, a Canadian-Iranian citizen, and Nazanin Zaghari, a British-Iranian citizen, are among other recent detainees.