Roger Carstens, who served as the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs under both the first Trump and Biden administrations, warned that Iran may use detained American citizens as bargaining leverage in ongoing nuclear negotiations.
In an interview with Fox News, Carstens said six American citizens remain held in Iranian prisons, each previously detained in Evin prison in Tehran, a facility known for its harsh conditions. He described Iran as the most difficult counterpart he has encountered in hostage negotiations, more challenging than Russia, China, the Taliban, or Venezuela.
"The Iranians are going to be smart enough to keep these people healthy and ready to throw on to a negotiating table," Carstens said. "The question in my mind during these negotiations is not whether they'll be at risk or pulled off, but rather, what's it going to take, and how will we, the United States, value them?"
What the Left Is Saying
Human rights advocates and progressive lawmakers have long called for the prioritization of American hostages in any international negotiation. Progressive groups argue that leaving detained Americans out of the stated objectives for Iran negotiations represents a failure to protect citizens abroad.
Carstens suggested that hostage release should be added as an official fifth objective alongside the Trump administration's existing four goals for ending the Iran war. "Let's make this an official ask, and when we go in, not only ask for it officially, but hold ourselves accountable to getting the job done," he said.
Democratic lawmakers and advocacy organizations have stressed that every administration has a duty to bring home Americans wrongfully detained abroad, regardless of broader geopolitical considerations.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative supporters of the Trump administration's Iran policy point to the president's track record of securing the release of Americans detained overseas. The White House has noted that Trump has brought home over 100 individuals during his time in office, a record number.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement: "President Trump is always concerned about Americans detained abroad, which is why he has brought over 100 individuals — a record number — home from around the world."
Those on the right argue that Trump's tough negotiating stance with Iran is designed to achieve a comprehensive nuclear deal that would ultimately serve American security interests, and that the administration is well-equipped to handle hostage discussions as part of broader negotiations.
What the Numbers Show
Six American citizens remain detained in Iranian prisons, according to Carstens. Only two — Kamran Hekmati, 61, and Reza Valizadeh, 49 — have been publicly identified.
Hekmati is a Jewish American who also holds Iranian citizenship. He was imprisoned 11 months ago after being charged with visiting Israel within the past decade. Valizadeh holds dual Iranian and American citizenship and previously worked for Radio Farda, a U.S.-funded broadcaster. He was arrested in September 2024 during a visit to see family and was convicted of working with what Iran considers a hostile government.
The marathon peace talks in Pakistan earlier this month lasted 21 hours. Carstens said he believed it was unlikely there was sufficient time to discuss the American hostages during those negotiations.
President Trump has outlined four objectives for ending the Iran war. The release of American hostages is not currently among them.
The Bottom Line
The fate of six detained Americans remains entangled in the broader U.S. pursuit of a nuclear deal with Iran. As negotiations continue, hostage advocates argue that the detainees should be explicitly included in any agreement, while administration officials point to Trump's record of securing American releases abroad.
A senior White House official told Fox News Digital that future peace talks with Iran are under discussion, but nothing has yet been scheduled. The administration will need to decide whether to add hostage release as a formal negotiating objective or continue pursuing a nuclear agreement without making the detainees a public condition.