Tit-For-Tat

Kevin Drum hits on something I've been wondering about the last couple days. Why are American/Iranian citizens being detained in a blatantly high-profile manner?

And this from News Blaze:

McCormack also cited the case of Parnaz Azima, a dual citizen of the United States and Iran who works as a correspondent for Radio Farda. Azima has been denied access to her passport and ability to travel despite being forced to pay a substantial bail bond on charges that her employer "spreads propaganda against the Islamic Republic," according to Iranian prosecutors.

And how does this fit in? "Iran wants former Palo Verde engineer released from custody."


Could it all have anything to do with reports this week of major U.S. naval exercises in the Persian Gulf?