Iran Imprisons 80-Year-Old American
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Iran has arrested another American, this time an elderly man holding dual U.S.-Iranian citizenship. Despite the U.S. nuclear deal that granted massive concessions to Iran's hardline Islamic regime, overt hostilities continue.
Iranian authorities took 80-year-old Baquer Namazi into custody when he returned to the country this week.
The regime also imprisoned his son, Siamak Namazi, believed to be in Tehran's notorious Evin prison since October.
Mahmoud Alizadeh Tabatabei, the family's lawyer, told the Associated Press he's been prevented him from speaking with his elderly client and would "be informed later" about the case.
"It is unlikely that he will be charged," his lawyer said, without elaborating.
According to Tabatabei, he's accused of "cooperation with the hostile government of the United States."
Iraninan authories do not recognize dual nationality and treat such citizens as exclusively Iranian.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said he is "engaged" in the matter but couldn't comment because of privacy considerations.
In a Facebook post, Namazi's wife, Effie, said her elderly husband has a heart condition and other health issues.
State Department spokesman Mark Toner said the State Department has "no higher priority than the protection of U.S. citizens overseas" and takes its obligation seriously.
Last month Iran captured 10 American sailors, later releasing them after airing humiliating videos of them.
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