Families of Americans detained in Iran say their relatives face growing danger as the war involving Iran, Israel and the United States intensifies, raising fears that prisoners could be harmed either by nearby bombardment or by reprisals from Iranian authorities.
According to Associated Press, advocacy groups say at least six Americans are currently detained in Iran. The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation warned that the detainees face “unprecedented danger” as military strikes escalate across the region.
Among them is Iranian-American journalist Reza Valizadeh, who is being held in Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison. His lawyer said he has raised concerns with U.S. officials about the risks posed by ongoing airstrikes near the facility.
“It’s my job to let the administration and the Israeli government know that there are innocent American citizens within that prison,” said Ryan Fayhee, Valizadeh’s lawyer. “They should take great care with this military action to avoid any unfortunate collateral damage.”
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, Valizadeh is one of at least 15 reporters currently jailed in Iran. The 50-year-old journalist fled the country in 2009 after reporting on pro-democracy protests and later became a U.S. citizen while working in Washington for Radio Farda, part of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
He returned to Iran in 2024 to visit his elderly parents but was detained and later sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges of collaborating with the U.S. government. Washington has since designated him as “wrongfully detained,” assigning his case to the State Department’s hostage affairs envoy.
Other Americans also remain imprisoned, including businessman Kamran Hekmati, who is reportedly suffering from bladder cancer while being held at Evin Prison. Relatives say he has struggled to receive regular treatment since his detention.
Former detainee Siamak Namazi, who spent nearly eight years in Evin before being released in a prisoner swap in 2023, said the current situation is particularly frightening for those still imprisoned.
“For Americans imprisoned in Iran, this is about as terrifying a moment as it gets,” he said. “What these families are facing now is days of war with no clear end in sight.”
U.S. officials declined to discuss specific cases, citing security concerns, but reiterated calls for Tehran to free Americans held in the country. A White House spokesperson said President Donald Trump wants all Americans “wrongfully detained” abroad returned home safely and warned of consequences for governments that use U.S. citizens as political leverage.
For families of detainees, however, the immediate concern is their safety as bombs fall across Iran and tensions continue to rise.
