The Obama administration is calling on Iran to free two U.S. citizens — a father and son — who are apparently being held in prison on charges that are unclear.
Iranian authorities arrested businessman Siamak Namazi in October and his father, 80-year-old Baquer, last month. Both are dual U.S. and Iranian citizens.
Their family believes they are being held in Tehran's notoriously brutal Evin prison. But Iran has not provided any information about the two.
State Department spokesman John Kirby said U.S. officials are deeply concerned about the Namazis.
"We're not aware of any charges against either man and we believe that both reported detentions are unjust," Kirby said Friday.
Kirby said the U.S. was calling on Iran to work with Swiss diplomats — who represent U.S. interests in Tehran — and free the two men as soon as possible so they can be reunited with their family.
Secretary of State John Kerry said last month he was "engaged" in the Namazi case, but would not give any details.
