Senator Marco Rubio designated Iran a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention and urged Americans in Iran to leave immediately, citing decades of detentions that trace back to the 1979 hostage crisis. The designation relies on President Trump's executive order and the Countering Wrongful Detention Act of 2025. Rubio warned the U.S. could take further steps, including geographic passport restrictions, if detainees are not released. The move comes amid tense indirect nuclear talks as President Trump sets a 10–15 day timeline and keeps military options on the table.
Rubio Names Iran A State Sponsor Of Wrongful Detention, Urges Americans In Iran To Leave Immediately
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Friday, asked for Americans currently in Iran "to leave immediately."(Getty Images)
Senator Marco Rubio on Friday designated Iran as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention, urging any Americans currently in the country to leave immediately. Rubio tied the move to what he described as a long-standing pattern of Iran detaining foreign nationals for political leverage.
In a news release, Rubio recalled the 1979 U.S. embassy hostage crisis and said Iran has continued to detain Americans and citizens of other countries to gain diplomatic advantage. He called the practice "abhorrent" and said the designation is intended to increase pressure on Tehran to release unjustly held detainees.
'The Iranian regime must stop taking hostages and release all Americans unjustly detained in Iran,' Rubio said. 'No American should travel to Iran for any reason.'
Rubio pointed to legal authorities for the action: President Trump's Executive Order to Protect U.S. Nationals From Wrongful Detention Abroad (issued last fall) and the Countering Wrongful Detention Act of 2025, which authorizes the State Department to make such designations. He warned that if Iran does not change course, the United States could pursue additional measures, including possible geographic restrictions on the use of U.S. passports for travel to, through, or from Iran.
A police officer stands guard as demonstrators wave flags and cheer during a gathering to honor Iran’s military forces, following the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, on June 24, 2025 in Tehran, Iran.
Wider Tensions And Military Posture
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran as indirect negotiations continue over Iran's nuclear program. Last week, President Trump gave Iran roughly 10 to 15 days to reach an agreement and said that timeline was backed by the potential use of force. On Friday, Trump told reporters he was "not happy" with Tehran's negotiating posture but has not made a final decision on possible military strikes.
Separately, U.S. media reported that eleven U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor stealth fighters recently arrived at Israel's Ovda Air Base, which was described as the first operational deployment of American combat aircraft to that base. U.S. officials framed such movements as part of deterrence and regional readiness amid the diplomatic standoff.
This is a developing story. Additional reporting and contributions were credited to Fox News reporters Efrat Lachter, Peter Doocy, Morgan Phillips and Fox News Digital's Rachel Wolf.
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