Kathmandu- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal on Monday admitted that its earlier statement claiming the release of Nepali citizen Amrit Jha from Iranian custody was based on ‘informal information’ that later proved to be incorrect.
In an unusually detailed clarification, the ministry confirmed that Jha, who was arrested in Iran on charges of illegal smuggling and trafficking of goods remains in detention in Bandar Abbas and is still undergoing legal proceedings.
“Jha was arrested in early January 2026 from Qeshm Island along with six other foreign nationals during a security operation carried out by Iranian authorities. He has since been held in custody while the case proceeds under Iranian judicial procedures,” the ministry said.
The ministry stated that the confusion arose after Nepal’s consul in Iran informed Nepali officials on April 15 that Jha had been released and that a release order had been issued. Acting on this communication, the ministry issued a public statement the same day and the information was also shared through official social media channels.
However, the ministry has now confirmed that the claim of release was premature.
“According to information received a few days later, Amrit Jha had not yet been released, and it was further learned that the court handling his case had ordered the preparation of an Expert Report,” the ministry clarified.
The ministry has apologised for the confusion caused by the dissemination of unverified information, acknowledging that the matter was shared publicly while the case was still under judicial consideration in Iran.
According to the latest update, the expert team appointed by the Iranian court is currently preparing its report which will be submitted as part of the legal process.
While the ministry now says it ‘apologies the confusion’, the ongoing conflict in the region has left Jha’s family uncertain about when he will actually be released.
The ministry said Nepal continues to pursue the case through diplomatic channels, stressing that all efforts are being made to ensure fair legal treatment and due process for the detained Nepali citizen.
However, in the past we have seen Nepal’s lack of diplomatic effectiveness when dealing with Nepali migrants and vulnerable citizens abroad.
