Amidst the escalating armed conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran entering its second week (March 2026), a shocking piece of information has just been released by Iran: “Many US and Israeli soldiers have been captured and detained in secret prisons in Tehran.”

According to an official statement from the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence on March 24, 2026, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) captured at least seven US soldiers in clashes near the Iraqi and Syrian borders, along with four “Israeli mercenaries” accused of infiltrating Iranian territory to carry out sabotage. These individuals are currently being held in the notorious Evin prison in Tehran and a secret facility in Isfahan province.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi bluntly stated on CBS News:

“If the U.S. and Israel do not attack our prisons, then American prisoners will be safe. But if they continue bombing, we cannot guarantee the safety of anyone.”

The U.S. reacted strongly. A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed: “No American soldiers have been captured by Iran. This is completely fabricated information intended for propaganda and to cover up battlefield failures.” However, hostage-tracking organizations (such as the Foley Foundation) reported that at least six American citizens and dual nationals are being held at Evin Prison, and they face a high risk of becoming “secondary victims” of the ongoing U.S.-Israel airstrikes.

As for Israel, the Tel Aviv Ministry of Defense completely denied any regular soldiers being captured, but acknowledged that “some Israeli citizens may have been captured by Iran on suspicion of espionage.” Israeli media are calling this a “political kidnapping campaign” by Tehran aimed at exerting diplomatic pressure.

The reality inside the Iranian prison
Sources from Amnesty International and recently released prisoners say:

The Evin prison was bombed by Israel during the “12-Day War” in June 2025, killing at least 80 people (including prisoners and staff).

Currently, prisoners (including foreigners) are only given two meals a day, and lack clean water and medicine due to the disruption of the logistics system by the airstrike.

Iran has transferred hundreds of political prisoners to other prisons in Tehran province to avoid bombing.

International reaction

The United Nations called for “the immediate release of all civilian prisoners and adherence to the laws of war.”

US President Donald Trump (in his second term) declared: “We will not allow any American citizen to be used as a hostage. Iran will pay a heavy price if it harms them.” Israel has warned it will respond “proportionately” if it discovers that Israeli citizens have been tortured.