Hostages in Iran: White House began to communicate with Iran about American hostages

Hostages in Iran: White House began to communicate with Iran about American hostages

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“We intend to communicate directly with Iranians about outright outrage – the humanitarian catastrophe that is the unjust and illegal detention of American citizens in Iran,” Sullivan told CBS News.

“We have started to communicate with the Iranians on this issue, yes, and we will continue to do so as we move forward,” he said. “It will be a significant priority for this government to bring these Americans safely home.”

According to the Foley Foundation, there are at least 43 cases of hostages or publicly known detainees in 11 countries, including Iran, Afghanistan, Syria, Venezuela, Russia, Egypt, Turkey, Rwanda and Saudi Arabia.
Earlier this month, Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to loved ones of American hostages, a gesture that sent a promising signal, families said, that the Biden government will make the release of loved ones a priority.
Sullivan also said on Sunday that Tehran did not respond to the proposed European Union meeting to discuss Iran’s nuclear program, adding that the ball is in his side.

The Biden government said last week that the United States is ready to negotiate with Tehran and other signatories to the nuclear deal with Iran. “The United States would accept an invitation from the High Representative of the European Union to attend a P5 + 1 meeting and the Iran to discuss a diplomatic way to advance the Iranian nuclear program, “State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.

P5 + 1 refers to the permanent members of the UN Security Council – China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States – and Germany.

Jennifer Hansler, Nicole Gaouette and Kylie Atwood of CNN contributed to this report.

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