The next is the complete transcript of the panel with former Iran detainees Siamak Namazi and Emad Shargi, Roger Carstens, a CBS Information contributor and former U.S. particular envoy for hostage affairs, and Shargi’s sister, Neda Sharghi. A portion of the panel will air on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” on March 22, 2026.
MARGARET BRENNAN: There are at the least 4 People presently detained in Iran. Two of them, Reza Valizadeh and Kamran Hekmati, have been designated by the U.S. authorities as wrongfully detained and are believed to be held in Iran’s infamous Evin Jail. We’re joined now by two individuals who have shared that have of being wrongfully detained inside Iran, Siamak Namazi and Emad Shargi. Neda Sharghi is Emad’s sister and spent years advocating for his launch and continues to assist different households of wrongful detainees. And Roger Carstens is a CBS Information contributor and previously the U.S. Particular Envoy for Hostage Affairs underneath each Biden and Trump’s first administration. Welcome to this system. It’s surreal to see the 2 of you sitting subsequent to one another as nicely, having lined your circumstances for thus lengthy. I need to ask about what is going on on proper now. Throughout the 12-day struggle, we all know that Israel, final June, did bomb Evin Jail. Throughout this present struggle, we’ve not heard of something like that but, however final Sunday, Iran’s international minister instructed us right here on Face The Nation that so long as the U.S. and Israel don’t assault their prisons, I assume they’re secure. He was speaking concerning the at the least 4 People that we talked about there. what it is like inside. Emad, what considerations you concerning the People there now?
EMAD SHARGI: Thanks, Margaret, for having us right here. It is nice to be sitting in entrance of you now that we’re free. I feel at any time when there is a matter going down in Iran, the partitions of Evin are like an amplifier. So when there is a ripple exterior within the society, there is a tidal wave inside. I used to be there in October of 20- 2022, when the Mahsa Amini protests had been going down. Issues change quickly, from unhealthy to worse, inside. It is a very uncomfortable state of affairs. I am anxious concerning the People which might be there now, about their security, each from their captors and, you realize, the nation is being bombed, so I am not, you realize, I am somewhat anxious that they may grow to be targets of inmates. So–
MARGARET BRENNAN: For being American?
EMAD SHARGI: For being American. I imply, you realize, if- when you hear that your village, your city, has been hit, and the closest factor it’s important to take revenge is, you realize, three cells down, in order that risk is all the time there.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Siamak, you realize very nicely what it is like on the within. I imply, while you hear Emad’s description there, what are you involved about by way of the People and their standing proper now?
SIAMAK NAMAZI: I feel that is as harmful a time as it may be for international detainees in Iran. They’re caught between a merciless regime that’s utilizing them as a pawn of their horrible recreation of hostage diplomacy and a struggle that they can’t management. , within the 12-day struggle, Israel bombed Evin Jail round midday. I feel they dropped about seven bombs, and bombs do not distinguish between inmates and guards, and so they- they’ve an actual fear. Emad identified appropriately that as quickly because the state of affairs within the nation turns into securitized, it turns into way more securitized within- throughout the jail. I’m much less anxious concerning the inmates. I feel these are pretty folks, and they’re going to most likely have good buddies round them. I’m way more anxious concerning the regime. These- they’re the simplest to seize punching bag proper now within the palms of- of that rogue regime. So I feel that is as harmful a time. And at last, you realize, for- for a hostage or wrongfully detained citizen overseas, their greatest worry is to be forgotten, and it is a very harmful time for them, with all that is occurring in Washington’s thoughts. And you realize, the- the regular- the international locations that assist, the Omanis, the Qataris, everybody has greater fish to fry than to fret concerning the detainees. So let me be a part of Emad and the others of thanking you, you realize, bringing consideration to this, it’s- we- we do must get them out. That is as harmful a time as- as we are able to think about for them.
MARGARET BRENNAN: And also you’re proper. We’re not listening to loads about these prisoners. We are going to honor a few of the households who don’t desire names public, however we talked about that the numbers are- are maybe even larger than what’s being publicly reported. Why? Why is not it being mentioned extra? Is there a danger proper now in making it a difficulty? That is typically the argument you hear from diplomats. You enhance the worth on the top of an American when you amplify that they are necessary. Why do you suppose it is necessary proper now to say that they matter?
EMAD SHARGI: As a result of I and my good friend sitting subsequent to me had been in those- on these flooring, in these cells, we perceive what it means when folks in your nation find out about you, that your case is necessary sufficient for folks within the State Division to speak about. It provides you hope. You go to mattress somewhat simpler. You get up somewhat lighter. there’s a mild on the finish of the tunnel. The worst factor that may occur to you is that no person talks about you. That may be a horrible feeling. You actually really feel misplaced within the universe.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Siamak, you had been, I imagine, the longest held American prisoner to have been launched from Iran. Eight years.
SIAMAK NAMAZI: Not the world title you hope for, is it?
MARGARET BRENNAN: No, I am glad that you’ve a humorousness about it. I assume you’ve got to- to get by means of that.
SIAMAK NAMAZI: Sure, however proper now, let’s give attention to those that are in there. We’re fortunately out. And I need to echo what Emad says, it is actually surreal to be sitting right here. I feel 4 years in the past to- or three years in the past to the mark, there was somebody who had snuck in a cellular phone and allow us to borrow it to see your program. And also you- I feel you had been speaking with Emad’s daughters and- and his spouse, if I am- if I bear in mind appropriately, and I bear in mind telling Emad, I am so happy with your women for getting so good at this. I am sorry that, you realize, that is what it took, nevertheless it’s extraordinarily necessary to provide folks hope. However past hope, it is also the policymakers on this facet. This- there’s a lot occurring in Iran and particularly with this struggle. We, you realize, all U.S. presidents, I feel each single one in all them, would need to get American detainees out. And I feel this explicit president takes pleasure in it. I do not know if he is even conscious that now we have at the least six, and I might- I might problem the 4 quantity. At the very least six, most likely extra, as a result of there’s lots of people who don’t desire their circumstances talked about, even to the State Division. And you realize, we- we have to get the phrase out to provide them hope. As I stated, being forgotten is the largest worry. Right now, most likely rivaled with the worry of bombs dropping on them, or the regime taking out the truth that they cannot do something concerning the bomb on these guys. However we need- we- you realize, we have to put strain on the coverage makers right here to remind them now we have People in hurt’s means solely for holding a blue passport, and we have to convey them residence. I feel- one factor I ought to emphasize is, I do know it is wartime. I do know what else are we going to do to Iran? What are we going to threaten them with? Or, you realize, there’s- there’s no–
MARGARET BRENNAN: –They’re extremely sanctioned.
SIAMAK NAMAZI: True, but- nicely, they’re getting bombed. There’s nothing else- they’re- they’re getting actually bombed. However all wars finish in diplomacy, both direct or oblique. And so what I want to see, and what I hope for applications like this might encourage, is to make it possible for it’s a actual precedence to get out our folks the primary probability there’s for diplomacy and negotiations with Iran.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Neda, you had been such an advocate to your brother. Two of the names that do need to be public, and I need to learn them. Reza Valizadeh is a journalist. He was charged with collaborating with a hostile authorities. I assume the USA is the hostile authorities. Kamran Hekmati was simply designated this week. He is 61 years outdated, a two 12 months sentence, an accusation of some issues, together with visiting Israel. What do we have to find out about these circumstances and what’s this like formal designation really obtain?
NEDA SHARGHI: Thanks for having me on. The designation is essential, since you publicly now acknowledge these people as getting used for his or her blue passport, and the USA authorities now has the form of carte blanche to make use of all its assets to get them out. And, you realize, these two people, Reza’s and Kamran’s households, do need their circumstances to be public. , as a journalist, you realize, I do not suppose Reza is getting as a lot consideration as you realize Evan Gershkovich was receiving. I do not know why, however we have to enhance Reza’s profile. And, you realize, it’s- it is public data. Kamran Hekmati is an American Jew, and his- his household needs everybody to know that he- he- he wants the identical consideration that we gave the hostages who had been being held in Gaza. And sure, we’re at struggle, however President Trump has proven us proof of idea. He introduced residence People throughout the struggle in Gaza, and I’m extremely assured, having introduced over 100 People residence, that if he is aware of the names of those people, if he is aware of the tales that he’ll, you realize, instruct his administration to discover a means of bringing them residence.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Do you suppose there actually is an opportunity he does not know?
NEDA SHARGHI: , I have not heard him say these names. And you realize, as somebody who advocated for my brother and for Siamak and for different households, we all the time say freedom begins with a reputation. You have to utter the identify, it has to come back out of your mouth. And I- I hope to listen to President Trump utter these phrases. And the households, you realize, my recommendation to the households is- is, you realize, you have- your viewers is right here within the U.S., interact with the media. Senior leaders within the White Home and within the State Division, maintain them accountable. They perceive, they’ve thick pores and skin. If it was their relations being held in Iran, they might do the identical factor. And ensure the American public is aware of the tales and is aware of the names. Do not be scared. Be vocal. Be on the market.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Roger, you had been a kind of officers with thick pores and skin contained in the division listening to prior to now about individuals who had been detained. Proper now, why aren’t we listening to extra? You had been a part of the final administration’s makes an attempt to get these gents out. There was a commerce there. There was launch of prisoners from the USA, individuals who had really gone by means of the courtroom system. After which there was additionally a launch of about $6 billion in funds. That was vastly controversial, nevertheless it was a commerce President Biden determined to hold out, do these choices not exist now?
ROGER CARSTENS: Yeah. I imply, the choices most likely change. I can- I can level out that the- the commerce that we did by way of cash, that was from South Korea to Qatar, the cash’s not been touched. Not $1 went into Iran throughout that interval. It was to have the ability to use for humanitarian objects, and the Iranians by no means used it. And I feel there most likely are issues that we needs to be contemplating, however I will say just some issues. Primary, from expertise, President Trump does care about this matter very a lot. We regularly say that that is the final nonpartisan or bipartisan concern, and that each President Trump, President Biden and return to most likely the Nineteen Fifties you may discover American presidents that actually cared about this. And as Neda stated, President Trump has a reasonably good observe report right here. I might say that though- it is proper now you are seeing the political, navy and financial degradation of Iran’s capabilities, and that is sort of main it. So you are going to see the navy, in fact, entrance and middle by way of making an attempt to drive a technique. And perhaps the issues that you simply may name as a political goal or a hostage goal may be off to the facet or not essentially coming as much as fruition. I feel it is our hope that if the president lists 4 struggle targets, that the fifth goal is getting People out and perhaps liberating all the opposite folks which might be saved in Evin Jail. I feel I’ve seen an inventory of most likely just below 20, not solely People, however Europeans as nicely. And I am hopeful that whether or not that is an introduced goal, or whether or not that is off to the facet, I am hopeful that’s- that is on his listing of issues to do. However perhaps the very last thing I will level out is the designation of Iran as a state sponsor of hostage diplomacy got here out, like a day or two previous to the struggle starting–
MARGARET BRENNAN: –For the very first time it was used.
ROGER CARSTENS: First time. And I feel- I feel it was executed for a purpose. I feel that Secretary of State Rubio, in making that announcement, was making an attempt to say, that is necessary, we’re watching it, however now we have some navy targets that we want to- to work by means of first.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So you’re assured that finally these People will be capable of come out and that the administration will push for them.
ROGER CARSTENS: , it is onerous to say, I’m assured that they may ultimately come out. I all the time used to say this about my two buddies throughout the desk right here. We all know how the story ends. The story ends with them popping out. It is simply how a lot time and the way a lot ache do it’s important to undergo to get there. And I am simply hopeful that the administration is working that. I might have a perception that they’re. I feel that is the one space that I do know President Trump cares deeply about, simply as President Biden did. And I might wish to suppose that it is a kind of targets that is over right here, and when it is time, it should come to the forefront. However I feel simply from the place we’re by way of what’s necessary to us, you realize, deep down, I do know we might wish to see that come out to the forefront earlier, relatively than later.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Since you two have such unbelievable expertise. Are you able to inform us somewhat bit about who’re the folks contained in the partitions of Evin Jail. As a result of proper now, within the American dialogue, you’re listening to these calls from the Israeli authorities, from the American authorities, for the- for the Iranian folks to take to the streets. You knew plenty of that political opposition, and so they had been contained in the partitions of that jail, proper? Who’s there? Like, what are you enthusiastic about on this second?
EMAD SHARGI: I wilI defer to Siamak to reply that query. I feel for about two years, Siamak and I had been separate. Siamak is aware of a few of the extra extremely recognized and revered opposition leaders who had been in his ward, and I bought to fulfill a few of the boys who had gone on the road and- and protest throughout the Mahsa Amini and likewise throughout the gas enhance uprisings. So I feel collectively, now we have seen either side of them, so Siamak?
SIAMAK NAMAZI: That is a degree, Evin Jail is not only the place they take criminals, it is the place the regime holds anybody they need out of the way in which. And it is a extremely corrupt mafia-like system, so you’ll run into very senior folks. It is sort of like a mafia struggle. He knocks out the group, nothing private, needs the turf. So in case your underneath boss will get weak, you find yourself in jail, and another man takes over your financial turf. So that you meet very senior Iranian officers all the way in which right down to, you realize, members of ISIS and the whole lot in between. Clearly, there’s plenty of the opposition coming, from outstanding folks, former reformists turned transitionalists as they name themselves, some actually, actually, amazingly courageous folks, human rights attorneys, civil rights actions, from labor unions, lecturers actions. And I’ll let you know one thing, they may depart you in awe of what bravery means. And I’ve seen great bravery. However what we all the time knew was across- the place we had been only one yard away from the ladies’s ward, and we knew they- that they had the actual guts- they were- they shamed us. , they shamed all the lads. They’d much more restrictions and much more guts. You simply meet superb, superb folks. And one factor I am proud to say, you’ll see from monarchists to members of the MEK to, as I stated, reformists, and so they spoke respectfully to one another, in contrast to what we see as we speak among the many Iranian opposition of the diaspora, which is- has a protracted technique to go, but- however you do meet superb, superb, brave individuals who arise for what is true and gladly are available in jail and inside jail too, arise for what is true and pay the worth inside as nicely.
MARGARET BRENNAN: And I feel you captured it there that the jail is not only a place for criminals, it is actually a logo of the regime’s maintain and the way in which it makes use of it to manage the general public and the political energy, proper? That is what I am listening to you say.
SIAMAK NAMAZI: And it additionally exhibits how unhealthy they’re at doing that, as a result of even inside jail, even whereas they’re containing you, you’ll hear folks placing out bulletins, printing within the newspapers. Even inside Evin Jail, they- they fail to crush the voice of those brave folks.
MARGARET BRENNAN: For the- the inmates now and the People there, Roger, are you able to inform us within the talks that Envoy Witkoff and the president’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, had been having not directly with high Iranian diplomats, had been the People raised in any respect? Or ought to they continue to be utterly separate from the nuclear targets?
ROGER CARSTENS: Yeah, I- I want I had the reply to that simply out of curiosity. I do not know the reply to it, however I can say that once we had been arguing to get these gents residence, we had been very cognizant of the connection between the nuclear talks and that of the prisoner talks, as a result of if the nuclear talks immediately fail very horribly, the prisoner talks could possibly be pulled down with it. So it was crucial for us to perhaps simply have a dotted line between the 2 points, however not hyperlink them too tightly collectively, which–
MARGARET BRENNAN: However within the view of the regime, they’re tied.
ROGER CARSTENS: I feel to- extra to an extent than in ours. I feel we had been very sensible about how shut these points bought collectively, and we needed the pliability to separate them if we needed to. And the regime, I feel they’re- they are much extra married shut collectively. And in order that’s why— I actually do not know I imply, if- if Witkoff and Kushner were- had been making an attempt to articulate an finish to a nuclear concern, how shut will they push it collectively? Virtually, it might not be that shut, relying on the place they really feel they’re with the Iranians.
MARGARET BRENNAN: It is onerous, as a member of the family, to not say- and I do know you actually went to the White Home and stated, it’s worthwhile to speak about my brother, and these items have to be raised. However that is so thorny and complex when human beings are on the different finish of those actually complicated nuclear points and navy points. For the American folks, what would you like them to know, Neda, about each the People who’re held and the Iranians and the Iranian People who’re again in Tehran proper now?
NEDA SHARGHI: Effectively, you realize, I am not an analyst. I may give you somewhat bit about my very own lived expertise. , I used to be born in Iran, and I left with my household throughout the revolution in 1979 with my dad and mom and Emad. I’m an American now, however, you realize, my nation of delivery continues to be very a lot in my coronary heart, and there are folks in Iran who all they need is freedom and peace, and so they, you realize, it’s- it’s- it is powerful, as a result of right here I’m making an attempt to advocate for People there, however I would like freedom for everybody, And I would like folks of Iran to search out liberation simply as a lot. I- I do need to say that, form of to Roger’s level, what occurs with our American hostages, whether or not they’re- they’re in Iran or in Venezuela, is that they all the time grow to be a hostage to different greater, broader political points. And I want that, you realize, Envoy Witkoff had, form of, earlier than he began partaking with the Iranians, had stated, we is not going to speak to you till there’s an unconditional launch of our People. I am unsure if that was requested or not, however right here we’re once more. , these- these People who’re harmless, are once more tied to this concern that is, you realize, out of their management. So I would like- I would like People to know that, you realize, Kamran and- and Reza are simply peculiar People who had been there, form of, to- to care for household, and so they’ve been caught on this massive concern. And we want to- we have to persuade our authorities to separate them from what is going on on and- and discover a inventive resolution, like we did to get Emad and Siamak residence. Discover a inventive resolution to convey them residence.
MARGARET BRENNAN: I ponder what you, however the two of you specifically, would say to President Trump at a second like this.
EMAD SHARGI: What I might inform the president is he has such an amazing report of getting People residence from everywhere in the world. I do not suppose another president has managed to do what he has executed within the first 100 days. And I am assured that if he’s conscious that there are People sitting in Evin Jail, that he’s going to instruct folks round him to place that on the agenda. So I feel it is necessary that he hears that, that there are harmless People being held like we had been as political pawns.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Siamak?
SIAMAK NAMAZI: I utterly agree with Emad, and I can not think about if President Trump knew their names and knew these circumstances, they would not be one of many priorities. I might say that it’s unlucky that they weren’t- precedence was not given to them earlier than. However as I stated, I personally suppose that there will likely be a time quickly as a result of all wars finish with some type of diplomacy. So I might implore President Trump to make it possible for a part of these negotiations that will likely be developing is bringing our folks residence.
MARGARET BRENNAN: I will let that be the ultimate phrase from the 2 of you. Thanks and thanks to your time. We’ll be proper again.
