U.S. Designates Iran as State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention Amid Rising Tensions

On February 27, 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated Iran as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention, urging Tehran to release all Americans unjustly detained and stop hostage-taking practices dating back to 1979. Rubio warned of potential travel restrictions for U.S. citizens to Iran if the situation does not improve. This designation follows recent U.S.-Iran tensions and nuclear talks, with President Donald Trump expressing disappointment over the negotiations and suggesting force may be necessary.