Iranian deal silent on fate of U.S. prisoners held by Tehran

By: American Decency Staff

While President Obama and his aides hailed the nuclear deal struck withIran as a diplomatic coup, the accord was silent on a major bilateral irritant between Washington and Tehran — the fate of three American prisoners being held in Iranian jails.

The three are journalist Jason Rezaian, who has written for the Washington Post and other publications; Christian pastor Saeed Abedini; and former U.S. Marine Amir Hekmati.

Secretary of State John Kerry, the lead U.S. negotiator at the marathon talks in Lausanne, Switzerland, insisted the U.S. side brings up the prisoners’ fate in every bilateral meeting with Iranian leaders.

He told reporters in Lausanne on Thursday the Obama administration would continue to press for the prisoners’ release, arguing the nuclear agreement may make the task easier.

Read More

---