US Detainees in Iran Face Peril Amid Intensifying War

Families and supporters fear Americans imprisoned in Iran could become collateral damage 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 and that they face "unprecedented danger" because of the military conflict.

Why it matters

The detainees, some of whom are held in the notorious Evin Prison, are at risk of being caught in the crossfire or targeted for retaliation as tensions escalate between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. Their families and advocates are urgently calling on the U.S. government and Israel to take precautions to avoid harming the prisoners.

The details

At least two of the known detainees are housed in Evin Prison, a high-security facility that holds many of Iran's political prisoners and has been targeted in past Israeli bombardment. One detainee, Kamran Hekmati, has not been receiving regular treatments for his bladder cancer since his detention. Another, Reza Valizadeh, is an Iranian American reporter who was detained in 2024 after returning to Iran to visit his elderly parents. The families of other foreign nationals imprisoned at Evin have reported that bombs have been hitting close enough to the detention center to blow out windows.

  • 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 that 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 detained at Evin Prison, who has not been receiving regular treatments for his bladder cancer.

Reza Valizadeh

An Iranian American reporter detained at Evin Prison, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges of collaborating with 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.

James W. Foley Legacy Foundation

A hostage advocacy organization that says there are six Americans being held in Iran.

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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

“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

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.