The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation Statement on the Release of Five Americans Who Had Been Imprisoned in Iran

The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation is deeply grateful for the news that Siamak Namazi, Emad Shargi, Morad Tahbaz, and one other American  who has not yet been publicly named have been moved from the notorious Evin Prison in Iran. They and a fifth American, also not yet publicly named, are reportedly preparing to come home to the United States.

Siamak Namazi, Emad Shargi, Morad Tahbaz

“If these reports are true, their releases and safe returns will be a massive relief for their families and for all of us who advocate on behalf of Americans detained and held hostage overseas,” said Foundation Founder and President Diane Foley. “However, they are not truly free until they are safely back home in the United States and reunited with their families.  We hope that Shahab Dalili, who has been unjustly detained in Iran since 2016, is part of this group.”

“Hostage diplomacy is never easy, but our leaders have a moral imperative to bring home every American being unjustly held overseas. We thank the Biden administration and the career national security officials who have worked hard to make this deal happen and bring our people safely home,” Foley said. “Even as we eagerly await their returns, the Foley Foundation will not rest until all of the 59 Americans being held overseas have come home to their loved ones.”