American Hostages Left Behind in Iran Deal
The news of a nuclear agreement with Iran reached by several countries, including the United States, rocked the world today on many levels. But, perhaps the most disturbing issue to come out of the agreement was the lack of any mention of the four American hostages being held in Iran, in particular, Pastor Saeed Abedini who has been imprisoned since September 2012.
Pastor Saeed has been held in Iran for one reason: his Christianity.
The fact this administration would even consider a deal with Iran without the release of any American hostages is hard to understand. Especially, when you consider the fact that President Obama met face-to-face with Pastor Saeed’s family and told them that securing his release was a “top priority”.
Now, it seems, it was not a priority at all. The president didn’t even mention the American hostages in his speech today. The State Department has also been silent. It is now up to Congress to approve this deal. The president in his speech, however, has already stated he will veto any legislation not approving the deal.
In a previous vote, Congress (Senate and House) had voted unanimously to demand Iran release all of the American hostages. It will be interesting to see if they stand by that resolution when voting on the Iran deal.
Needless to say, his wife and family are devastated by this news. According to the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), his wife, Naghmeh Abedini, issued a statement asking Congress to keep her husband in the forefront as they vote on this deal and to “ensure my husband, an American citizen, is not left behind.” Mrs. Abedini and her children just want their husband/father to come home. You can see her full statement here.
A petition directed at Congress demanding they reject this deal is also posted on at ACLJ’s website.
Should any deal have been made without securing the release of American hostages? Do you think the President went back on his promise?
Image via Facebook/Pray For Pastor Saeed Abedini
