Moms Finally Visit Hikers Jailed in Iran

Three American hikers held by Iran since July had an emotional reunion with their mothers in Tehran today. In footage aired on Iranian state TV, Sarah Shourd, Shane Bauer, and Josh Fattal embraced their mothers, who were clad in headscarves and long black robes, the AP reports. Iran had only allowed the trio to have one brief conversation with their families in the 10 months since it arrested them near the Iraq border and accused them of spying.

The relatives are "very grateful to the Islamic Republic of Iran and the authorities for granting us a visa," Bauer's mom said. A lawyer for the mothers says they are seeking to meet with Iranian leaders during their weeklong visit to plead for their children's freedom. Iran hasn't signaled whether it plans to release the three from pre-trial detention, and analysts say the fresh push for sanctions from the US is likely to complicate efforts to secure their freedom. (More hikers Iran stories.)