Businessman Reza Taghavi of California has been held in Iran since May 2008 arrest . Beyond talking about the case and attacks at the hand of the Tondar group , Prosper said his Iranian hosts made no effort to broaden the discussions to include the nuclear standoff between Iran and the West or the Obama administration 's offer of engagement . He was accused by the Iranian government of being a spy and working for Israel to undermine Iran's nuclear program. Family initially kept the detention a secret , fearing publicity would inflame situation . Taghavi came to the United States in 1979 before the Islamic Revolution .
Businessman Reza Taghavi of California has been held in Iran since May 2008 arrest . He was accused by the Iranian government of being a spy and working for Israel to undermine Iran's nuclear program. Family initially kept the detention a secret , fearing publicity would inflame situation . Taghavi came to the United States in 1979 before the Islamic Revolution .