Two Americans detained in Iran on suspicion of spying for Israel

Iranian flag waves

An Iranian flag waves in western Tehran on Feb. 4, 2025, on the eve of the 46th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran. (Photo by Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

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(NewsNation) — Two Americans were recently detained in Iran on suspicion of spying for Israel following the 12-day war between the two nations last month.

According to Israeli state media, the detainees are from Los Angeles and New York and were reportedly in Iran to visit relatives.

One of the detainees has been released on bail while the other remains in custody. They are among 35 Jews who were reportedly arrested after being accused of spying.

A person involved in efforts to free the detained Americans told the outlet they “arrived at the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Another state media outlet reported that Iranian authorities recently released 11 Jews arrested on that suspicion, and that five remain in custody.

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