US Detainees in Iran Face Grave Risks Amid Intensifying War

Families and supporters fear Americans imprisoned in Iran could become unintended casualties or victims of retaliation.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Families and supporters of Americans detained in Iran say their loved ones face new dangers during the intensifying war, including the risk of becoming unintended casualties of Israeli and American bombardment or victims of retaliation from Iran's repressive regime. The U.S. government has not confirmed how many Americans are being held in Iran, but the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation says there are six detainees facing "unprecedented danger" due to the military conflict.

Why it matters

The detention of American citizens in Iran has long been a point of tension between the two countries, with Iran using them as political bargaining chips. The current military conflict raises the stakes significantly, as the detainees could potentially be caught in the crossfire or face retaliation from the Iranian government.

The details

At least two of the known detainees are housed in Evin Prison, the notorious Tehran penitentiary that has been targeted in past Israeli bombardment. Families of the detainees are deeply concerned about their safety, with one detainee, Kamran Hekmati, reportedly not receiving regular treatments for his bladder cancer. The White House and State Department have called for Iran to immediately release the American detainees, but have not provided updates on their status due to concerns for their safety.

  • The war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran began in early March 2026.
  • Kamran Hekmati spoke with his wife on Monday, a few days into the war, to assure her he was safe for now.

The players

Siamak Namazi

An Iranian American who was detained for nearly eight years before being released as part of a deal with the U.S. in 2023.

Kamran Hekmati

A 61-year-old from Long Island who is detained at Evin Prison in Iran and has not been receiving regular treatments for his bladder cancer.

Reza Valizadeh

An Iranian American reporter also detained at Evin Prison, who was designated as wrongfully detained by the U.S. government.

Afarin Mohajer

A California resident originally from Iran who was detained in September and charged with posting propaganda critical of the Islamic Republic on social media and insulting its Supreme Leader and Islam.

Kieran Ramsey

The chief investigative officer at Global Reach, a nonprofit working on Kamran Hekmati's case.

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What they’re saying

“For Americans imprisoned in Iran, this is about as terrifying a moment as it gets. What these families are facing now is days of war with no clear end in sight.”

— Siamak Namazi, Former Iranian American detainee (Chicago Tribune)

“It's my job to let the administration and the Israeli government know that there are innocent American citizens within that prison. They should take great care with this military action to avoid any unfortunate collateral damage.”

— Ryan Fayhee, Lawyer for Reza Valizadeh (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The judge in Kamran Hekmati's case is expected to decide on Tuesday whether to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

The plight of American detainees in Iran has become even more perilous as the military conflict intensifies, raising concerns that they could become unintended casualties or face retaliation from the Iranian government. This underscores the need for urgent diplomatic efforts to secure their release and ensure their safety.