Obama calls for return of Americans held in Iran

US president urges release of inmates ahead of nuclear talks, requests Tehran’s help finding missing Jewish ex-FBI agent

By AP 21 March 2015, 1:02 am Edit

Still image from a November 2010 video showing Robert Levinson, which was received by his family. (YouTube: Help Bob Levinson)

WASHINGTON — In the midst of an unexpected break in Iranian nuclear talks, President Barack Obama is calling for the return of Americans held in Iran.

In a message commemorating the Persian New Year, Obama says it’s a time for families to be reunited.

He says Iran should immediately release US prisoners Saeed Abedini of Boise, Idaho; Amir Hekmati of Flint, Michigan; and Jason Rezaian of Marin County, California. Obama also says Iran should help find Robert Levinson, a former Jewish-American FBI agent who went missing eight years ago from the Iranian resort of Kish Island.

Iran and six world powers broke off nuclear negotiations Friday to allow the Iranian delegation to attend the funeral of their president’s mother. Secretary of State John Kerry issued a statement extending condolences to President Hassan Rouhani.