The U.S. is investigating reports of the detention of one of its citizens in Iran

Following reports regarding the detention of an Iranian-American citizen in Gorgan on charges of acting against national security, John Kirby, the spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, stated on Wednesday, July 27, that Washington is reviewing these reports. Mohseni Ejei, the spokesperson for the judiciary, confirmed on Sunday that an Iranian-American dual citizen had been arrested in Gorgan, saying, "However, I do not know the nature of the charges against him, but I confirm that a dual national Iranian-American has been detained in Gorgan." According to Reuters, John Kirby stated: "We have seen reports regarding the detention of a U.S. citizen in Iran, and what I can say now is that we are reviewing these reports." Previously, CBS News reported that Reza (Robin) Shahini, a resident of San Diego, California, was arrested on July 11 by security forces at his mother's home in Gorgan. According to the Associated Press, Reza Shahini graduated from the University of San Diego this past May with a degree in International Security and Conflict Resolution. In this context, Reza Shahini's girlfriend, who wished to remain anonymous, had previously told Radio Farda: "Reza Shahini traveled to Iran in early June to visit his sick mother. Security forces visited his mother's home in Gorgan on July 11, and after searching the house and seizing his personal belongings, including his computer and mobile phone, they arrested Reza Shahini." According to her, Reza Shahini was accused of "acting against the regime" in his arrest warrant. In recent months, several dual citizens have been arrested and imprisoned in Iran. Siamak Namazi, a former director of strategic planning at Crescent Petroleum, was arrested last October, and his father, Baqer Namazi, a former UNICEF representative in several African countries, was arrested last February. In recent months, several human rights organizations and some Western countries have urged Iranian officials to release these individuals. The U.S. and the U.K. have warned their citizens that traveling to Iran could pose a risk of detention.