Washington - The United States called on Iran on Friday to immediately release three Americans who were arrested in July after they wandered into Iran while hiking in Iraq. Shane Bauer, Sarah Shourd and Josh Fattal should be released under an international agreement because they have been held for more than 90 days without charges or legal representation, a US State Department spokeswoman said.
"We urge the Iranians to release these three Americans without further delay," she said.
The State Department confirmed that the Swiss ambassador met with the three hikers on Thursday, the second time consular access was grated. For legal reasons, the State Department did not provide details on the visit.
The United States and Iran do not have formal relations. The Swiss represent US interests in Tehran.
