Senator Jeanne Shaheen Becomes Co-Chair of Bipartisan Commission to Combat the Kidnapping of American Citizens

Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, announced that she has taken on the honorary co-chairmanship of a bipartisan commission with the Center for Strategic and International Studies aimed at combating kidnapping and unlawful detentions worldwide. This commission includes former hostages, their family members, diplomats, academics, and journalists, all of whom have experience in the hostage crisis. Senator Shaheen called for the full engagement of the U.S. government to investigate necessary actions and ensure the safe return of all 'wrongfully detained' Americans. In addition to announcing the formation of this commission, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan law led by Shaheen to establish a national day to recognize American hostages and their families, drawing more attention to the plight of American citizens detained abroad. The United States has sanctioned the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and four of its senior commanders for their roles in the detention of American citizens. Siamak Namazi, Morad Tahbaz, and Emad Sharqi are among Iranian-Americans whom the Islamic Republic has accused of espionage and imprisoned. Observers of Iranian affairs say that the Islamic Republic aims to use the detention of citizens from other countries, especially dual nationals, as leverage in its negotiations with other nations, effectively taking them hostage with false accusations. Many Western countries, including U.S. officials, have repeatedly warned dual citizens that traveling to Iran is risky due to the actions of the Islamic Republic and have urged them not to endanger themselves by visiting Iran, even for family gatherings. Exclusive interview with VOA. Other prisoners should also be released. Narges Mohammadi's warning about the condition of Nahid Taghavi, a dual national prisoner: Her pain has overwhelmed her. A Danish citizen released from Iran has returned to his country.