Families: 3 American hikers detained by Iran entered the country by mistake

Families: American hikers entered Iran by mistake

PHILADELPHIA — The families of three American hikers being held in Iran say their children had no intention of entering Iran and that they hope the misunderstanding will be resolved quickly.

Joshua Fattal, freelance journalist Shane Bauer and Bauer’s girlfriend, Sarah Shourd, have been held in Iran since July 31.

Their families released a joint statement to The Associated Press on Tuesday. They say they hope Iran will release the three as quickly as possible.

Family members say the trio was backpacking in Iraq when they accidentally crossed the border into Iran. Iran’s state television has reported that the Americans were arrested after they did not heed warnings from Iranian border guards.