Watch CBS News

US Citizen From San Diego Reportedly Detained In Iran

SAN DIEGO (CBSLA.com/AP) — The U.S. State Department says it is looking into reports another American has been detained in Iran.

State Department spokesman John Kirby would not comment further Thursday on the detention of Robin Shahini.

The girlfriend of the San Diego man says Shahini's sister told her Iranian authorities took him into custody July 11 while he was visiting family in his native Iran and he has not been heard from since.

The girlfriend asked not to be identified because she has family in Iran and fears for their safety.

She says she worries Shahini was detained because of his online comments criticizing Iran's human rights record.

"They searched the house. They took his … all personal stuff. They showed them the paper, they had it from the state," she said.

At a news conference Thursday, Secretary of State John Kerry declined to comment on the detention.

Shahini graduated in May from San Diego State University.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.