Obama asks Iran to free detained US citizens

US President Barack Obama on Friday called on Iran to release a Washington Post reporter and two other Americans held there, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Obama, in a statement released by the White House, said Iran must release Post reporter Jason Rezaian, who the White House said has been held “unjustly” by Tehran for eight months.
Obama cited the Nowruz holiday, the Persian new year which falls on Saturday in Tehran, as a reason for Iran to consider releasing Rezaian, who the Post has said is in failing health in an Iranian prison.
“It is especially painful that on a holiday centered on ridding one’s self of the difficulties of the past year, Jason’s mother and family will continue to carry the heavy burden of concern regarding Jason’s health and well-being into the new year,” Obama said.
On Thursday Obama said his hopes for the Iranian new year include reaching a nuclear agreement between Iran and a group of six world powers including the US.
The other two Americans whose release Obama called for are Amir Hekmati, a Michigan man accused by Iran of being an American spy, and Saeed Abedini of Idaho, who has been detained in Iran for more than two years, the White House said.
Obama also noted the disappearance of Robert Levinson, a CIA contractor who went missing on Iran’s Kish Island eight years ago.
“At this time of renewal, compassion, and understanding, I reiterate my commitment to bringing our citizens home and call on the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to immediately release Saeed Abedini, Amir Hekmati and Jason Rezaian and to work cooperatively with us to find Robert Levinson so that they all can be safely reunited with their families as soon as possible,” Obama said.