Washington has designated the Islamic Republic as a state sponsor of “false detention.”
The United States has urged all Americans to leave Iran “immediately” Escalating rhetoric against Tehran comes amid a major military build-up in the Middle East and demands for concessions on uranium enrichment and ballistic missile programs.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Friday that Iran had been formally designated “State Sponsors of Wrongful Detention” He accused the Islamic Republic of holding foreign nationals for political leverage.
“No American should travel to Iran for any reason. We reiterate our call for Americans currently in Iran to leave immediately.” Rubio said. He warned that more measures could follow, including potential restrictions on the use of US passports to travel to or through Iran.
US officials have portrayed the move as a response to long-standing grievances dating back to the 1979 hostage crisis, with critics noting that the announcement coincides with increasing pressure on Tehran’s nuclear program and the possibility of military action if talks collapse.
The warning came as US President Donald Trump expressed dismay at ongoing talks with Iran, reiterating that he would not accept any deal that would allow for uranium enrichment. “They have to make a deal, but they don’t want to go far enough.” He said. “So I’m not happy with the negotiation.”
Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons, insisting its program is for peaceful purposes and subject to international scrutiny. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the latest round of talks in Geneva on Thursday “very serious and long” So far, besides “good progress” Done on both nuclear sanctions and sanctions relief.
Oman, which is mediating the talks, has also characterized the discussions as constructive. Technical level meetings will resume in Vienna next week.
The timing of Washington’s designation has fueled speculation that public opinion could harden ahead of a possible escalation. The Pentagon has deployed two aircraft carrier strike groups and additional air assets to the area, in what officials are describing as a deterrent posture.
US Vice President JD Vance has sought to reassure Americans that any potential strike will not devolve into another protracted Middle East conflict. “no chance” Years of war, he said Thursday, he warned against calling “more learning” Lessons from past interventions.
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