Iran: Held Americans Were Part of Nuke Talks

Iran's deputy foreign minister is confirming for the first time that the Americans being held captive in Tehran were discussed during the nuclear negotiations.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry had stated that the American captives were mentioned daily but were not made a part of the negotiations for fear it would derail a potential deal.

Four Americans are currently imprisoned in Iran: former U.S. Marine Amir Hekmati, Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian, retired FBI agent Robert Levinson, and Christian pastor Saeed Abedini.

Abedini's wife spoke with CBN News shortly after finding out that the release of the four Americans being held in Tehran was not included in the nuclear deal.

"The ups and downs have really allowed the Lord to refine me and teach me to keep my eyes on him and my hope on Him instead of governments and officials," she said.

Abedini has been in an Iranian jail for more than two years because of his Christian faith.

CBN News spoke with Nagmeh Abedini, Saeed wife, shortly after the deal was reached. She expressed her deep disappointment and urged Congress to not forget her husband. Click play to watch her interview.

Last week during a visit with his father he expressed concern that he is now a target because he is an American citizen.

"He is in the hands of hardliners that are chanting 'death to America.' These are the people that are holding him," Nagmeh said.

Despite increased tension, in a recent letter, Abedini encouraged his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who were disppointed in the nuclear deal that left him and others in prison.

"I know that so many of you have felt that I have been left behind after a deal was reached with Iran and I am still not home," he wrote.

"He is in control and He is the One who beautifully writes the history over all governments, presidents, and any P5+1 negotiating team," he said.