Iran Raises Prospect of Using Detained Americans as Nuclear Talks Leverage

Former U.S. State Department Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens warned that detained Americans could be used as a lure in Iran nuclear talks, pointing out that Iran's negotiation style is tricky compared to other adversaries like Russia, China, and the Taliban.

Carstens, who handled hostage negotiations under the Trump and Biden administrations, stated that six Americans are currently detained in Iran and expressed doubt about expecting sincerity and fulfillment of promises in negotiations with Iran.

Carstens cautioned that Iran could create unexpected variables until the final moments of negotiations, urging the U.S. negotiation team to conduct thorough verification processes until the release of detainees is definitively confirmed.