releases: https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-president-obama-s-call-iranian-president
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-president-obama-s-call-iranian-president | Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on President Obamas Call with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani | 2013-09-28 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | MI | Dan Kildee | K000380 | dankildee.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement today after President Barack Obama spoke with President Hassan Rouhani by telephone and raised the case ofthe threeAmericansbeing heldin Iran, including Amir Hekmati, Congressman Kildee's constituent, who has beenunjustlyheld for over two yearson false charges: I appreciate President Obama raising the case of my constituent, Amir Hekmati, who has beenunjustlyheld in Iran for now over two years, with President Rouhaniduring the first conversation between the leaders of our two countries in 34 years.Even before this significant event, recent overtures from Iran have led to restrained optimism that it seeks to improve itsdiplomaticrelationship with the United States and global community.Iran, however, must demonstrate it is serious about engaging the global community by taking tangible actions thatdemonstrate to the American people and Congress thatit isserious about diplomacy.Amir's father is terminally ill and releasing him to care for his family as the eldest son would be a significant humanitarian gesture that Iran is serious about constructively rejoining the international community. This week, a bipartisan congressional delegation joined my ongoing efforts to raise Amir's case as the Iranian delegation was in New York for the United Nations General Assembly. Over 80 Members of Congress from Democrat John Lewis to Republican Darrell Issa have joined the growing campaign calling for Amir's release. The bipartisan nature of our efforts especially in a time with such polarizing, partisan gridlock in Washington has been overwhelming, and clearly demonstrates freeing Amir is a top priorityfor Congress as well as the American people. I am confident that the resounding message from Congress and the American people this week to free Amir was heard by President Rouhani as he was in New York. And now, more than ever, I am hopeful that Iran will release Amir so he can be reunited with his family in Michigan. Until then, I will continue to fight every day and use my position as a Member of Congress toadvocate forAmir'srelease. Since being sworn into Congress, Congressman Dan Kildee has been working tirelessly to secure the release of his constituent, Amir Hekmati, from prison in Iran. In July, Congressman Kildee wrote a letter, signed by 112 Members of Congress, calling on U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to prioritize Amir's release from Iran. Earlier this month, he also penned a letter to U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power, asking her to raise Amir's case with her diplomatic colleagues at the U.N. In his latest efforts, Congressman Kildee organized over 80 Members of Congress Democrats and Republicans to take photos with Free Amir signs. The photos, which were released through social media with the hashtag #FreeAmir, generated thousands of tweets and substantial media coverage during the U.N. General Assembly meeting. All of the photos can be viewed here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |