We the undersigned,
Urge President Trump to make the safe return of all Americans who remain unaccounted for or wrongfully detained in Iran—including the longest-held American hostage, Robert Levinson—an urgent national priority. This Administration has already demonstrated an extraordinary record in recovering Americans from hostile regions, securing the release of over 70 Americans since January 2025, including every last hostage held in Gaza, living or deceased. The ability of the U.S. to lead in the recovery of not just Americans held in Gaza, but to secure the release of all hostages taken by Hamas showcases that the time to act decisively is now.
For decades, the Iranian regime has used hostage-taking as a deliberate tool of intimidation and leverage. The Administration rightly recognized this when recently designating Iran as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention. Iran is currently wrongfully detaining as many as 40 individuals from nearly every continent. Dozens of Americans have been unjustly imprisoned under horrific conditions, separated from their families, and denied their freedom. Tragically, the regime has yet to account for the remains of Robert Levinson, who disappeared in 2007 and was presumed deceased in 2020. March 9, 2026 marked 19 years since Bob Levinson was taken. Time must not weaken our commitment; it must heighten our moral duty to bring him and all Americans home.
The systematic use of foreign nationals as bargaining chips is one of the gravest human rights abuses of our time. Recent U.S. military actions have created a rare and decisive opportunity to secure their release.
We respectfully call on the Trump Administration to:
- Make the safety, security, and freedom of Americans held captive in Iran a top priority and ensure this is integrated into broader strategic discussions regarding Iran; and
- Coordinate closely with allied governments and regional partners to apply unified diplomatic pressure for humanitarian releases.
The United States must be unequivocal: the wrongful detention or hostage-taking of Americans will not be accepted or sidelined. Our adversaries must recognize that harming Americans has lasting consequences, and Americans must be assured that their government will pursue their return with unwavering resolve.
We stand ready to work with the Administration to bring every American held in Iran home safely and swiftly. There is no time to waste—the moral and strategic imperative is clear.
American Jewish Committee (AJC)
Bar Ben Yaakov and Matan Sivek, Co-Founders, Hostages and Missing Families Forum U.S.
Foundation for Defense of Democracies
James W. Foley Legacy Foundation
Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights
United Against Nuclear Iran
