Foreign Ministry Pursuing Diplomatic Efforts for Fair Hearing of Nepali Citizen in Iran

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said diplomatic initiatives are underway to ensure a fair and impartial hearing in the case of Nepali citizen Amrit Jha, who remains in the custody of Iranian authorities for investigation.

In a press statement issued on Monday, the Ministry said all possible diplomatic channels were being utilized to support the required legal procedures, including securing a transparent hearing for Jha, who has been accused of involvement in illegal goods smuggling in Iran.

The Ministry clarified that Jha’s case is currently under review at a local Iranian court and expressed regret over confusion caused by earlier unofficial reports claiming that he had been released, despite him still being in detention.

Jha, along with six other foreign nationals, was arrested by Iranian security personnel from Qeshm Island about a month before tensions escalated between Iran and the US-Israel alliance on February 28, 2026.

According to the Ministry, Nepal’s honorary consul in Iran, Shahram Shantiya, had informed Nepal’s Deputy Chief of Mission in Qatar, Kumar Rai, on April 15 about Jha’s reported release. Based on that information, the Ministry had briefed Foreign Minister Khanal and Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai and subsequently stated his release.

The Embassy of Nepal in Doha was also instructed to obtain written proof of his release in order to facilitate procedures for his return to Nepal.

The Ministry further stated that Jha’s family had been informed about the developments during meetings with Minister Khanal and senior ministry officials.

It added that legal and diplomatic procedures for Jha’s eventual repatriation are continuing, while the Iranian court has directed authorities to prepare a report related to the case before any release decision is made.