President Barack Obama yesterday met a US hiker who was detained for over a year by Iran, and with the mothers of two US men who are still being detained by the Iranian government.
Sarah Shourd (32) was released this month after being held in Iran with two friends for over a year on suspicion of spying after crossing into Iran from Iraq. She left the country on September 14th after being released on bail.
During the meeting with Ms Shourd, Mr Obama stressed that the administration would continue to do everything it could to secure the release of the other two hikers who were detained with her, the White House said in a statement.
"The president noted that this occasion remains bittersweet. Sarah's fiance Shane Bauer and their friend Josh Fattal are still in detention in Iran," the statement said.
"We remain hopeful that Iran will demonstrate renewed compassion and do the right thing by ensuring the safe return of Shane, Josh and all the other missing or detained Americans in Iran," the statement said.
Ms Shourd was detained near the Islamic Republic's border with Iraq in July 2009 along with Bauer and Fattal on suspicion of spying.
At a news conference after she was released, Ms Shourd said they were innocent hikers who never intended to cross into Iran.
Under Iran's Islamic law, espionage can be punishable by execution. The case has further complicated relations between Tehran and Washington, which are strained over Iran's nuclear programme.
Reuters