U.S. Designates Kamran Hekmati as Wrongfully Detained in Iran

In a pivotal move, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the designation of Iranian-American Kamran Hekmati as wrongfully detained in Iran on Monday. The 61-year-old individual faces charges his family and the U.S. Government claim are baseless.

This announcement signifies the U.S. Government's official stance that Hekmati's imprisonment is rooted in wrongful accusations, with Iran seeking to use his detention as political leverage.

'This designation is an official recognition by the U.S. Government that Kamran is being held on false charges in an effort by the Iranians to leverage the U.S. Government,' said Kamran's cousin, Shohreh Nowfar, in an official statement.