The US State Department has said it is investigating reports that Iran had arrested three American tourists near the border with Iraq.
A spokeswoman said all available means were being used to ‘determine the facts’ of the situation.
The US, which does not have diplomatic ties with the Islamic republic, said it has asked Switzerland, which represents its interests in Tehran, to confirm the Iranian reports.
‘The safety and security of American citizens remains the US government's top priority. We take all detention cases very seriously,’ State Department spokeswoman Megan Mattson said.
Iran's al-Alam television station reported that three American tourists were arrested near the border of Iraq after entering Iran.
Local Iraqi officials suggested the Americans might have been detained after straying into Iranian territory.
