Obama calls on Iran to release U.S. citizens

David Jackson | USA TODAY

WASHINGTON — President Obama called on Iran Friday to release U.S. citizens believed to be in Tehran's custody.

In a statement tied to the Iranian holiday of Nowruz, Obama said that "at this time of renewal, compassion and understanding, I reiterate my commitment to bringing our citizens home."

Three U.S. citizens — Saeed Abedini, Amir Hekmati and Jason Rezaian — are believed to be in prison; a fourth — Robert Levinson — is missing and was last seen in Iran.

The statement comes amid high-stakes negotiations over Iran's nuclear program.

The United States and allies are offering to reduce economic sanctions on Iran if its government gives up the means to make nuclear weapons.

"The spirit of family is deeply woven into all of the rich cultural traditions of the Nowruz holiday," Obama said in his statement. "It is a time for reuniting and rejoicing with loved ones and sharing hopes for the new year."

Obama offered descriptions of the four missing Americans:

• "Saeed Abedini of Boise has spent 2½ years detained in Iran on charges related to his religious beliefs. He must be returned to his wife and two young children, who needlessly continue to grow up without their father."

• "Amir Hekmati of Flint, Mich., has been imprisoned in Iran on false espionage charges for over 3½ years. His family, including his father, who is gravely ill, has borne the pain of Amir's absence for far too long."

• "Jason Rezaian of Marin County, Calif., an Iranian government credentialed reporter for The Washington Post, has been unjustly held in Iran for nearly eight months on vague charges. It is especially painful that on a holiday centered on ridding one's self of the difficulties of the past year, Jason's mother and family will continue to carry the heavy burden of concern regarding Jason's health and well-being into the new year."

"And finally," the president wrote, "we recently marked yet another anniversary since Robert Levinson went missing on Kish Island. His family has now endured the hardship of his disappearance for over eight years."