US Designates Iran Over Detentions
New Delhi, 28 February : The United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has designated Iran as a “state sponsor of wrongful detention”, intensifying pressure on Tehran over the continued detention of American citizens.
Rubio stated that the step is aimed at compelling Iran to end what Washington has described as hostage diplomacy. He called on the Iranian authorities to release all Americans held without due process and indicated that any meaningful progress could prompt a review of the designation.
He further cautioned that the United States may consider invalidating US passports for travel to Iran if the situation does not improve, signalling the possibility of stricter travel restrictions.
The action marks the first such move under an executive order signed in September 2025. The measure seeks to discourage governments from arbitrarily detaining US nationals and to encourage the release of those currently in custody.
US authorities have repeatedly alleged that Iran has detained foreign nationals to gain political leverage. Several American citizens have been held in recent years on charges related to espionage and national security.
Iran has denied the allegations, maintaining that those detained are being prosecuted under its judicial system on legitimate grounds. Tehran has also criticised Washington for politicising legal matters.
The development comes amid ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two countries. Officials from Washington and Tehran held discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme on Thursday in an effort to manage tensions.
