The U.S. is shutting down reports of the imminent release of Israeli-Russian academic Elizabeth Tsurkov.

Baghdad

The United States has denied reports that a deal is close for the release of Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian academic kidnapped in Baghdad two years ago. Tsurkov, a doctoral student at Princeton University, is reportedly being held by pro-Iran Iraqi militias. While the U.S. is actively involved in efforts to secure her release, officials have dismissed claims of an imminent agreement, particularly those involving a ransom payment or the release of Mohammad Reza Nouri, a member of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps accused of killing an American citizen.

Negotiations are reportedly ongoing, with Arab media suggesting talks have reached an advanced stage. However, the U.S. has firmly denied any deal has been struck, including reports of a secret visit by an Iraqi defense official to Washington related to the case.

U.S. rejects reports Israeli hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov's release

Meanwhile, the U.S. is shutting down reports of the imminent release of Israeli-Russian academic Elizabeth—Israeli academic, excuse me. We have more from I24 News senior correspondent Bianca Zanini, breaking down the conflicting reports. Elizabeth Turkov. Reports swirling for the last 24 hours of an imminent deal to release Elizabeth Turkov, the Israeli-Russian researcher who was kidnapped in Baghdad in Iraq two years ago. Then a sweeping denial from the U.S. Turkov is currently being held by pro-Iran Iraqi militias, and the Americans are actively engaged in efforts to secure Elizabeth's release due to her status as a doctoral student at Princeton University. Washington reportedly opposes one central demand, the release of Mohammad Reza Nouri, a member of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps, accused of killing an American citizen in Baghdad in 2022. Earlier this week, Adam Boehler said this to I24 News. We're having active discussions with the Iraqis, with the Israelis, to try to get her out. She needs to come out right away. Are the Iraqis responding to your request? They are. We're working collectively with them. Arab media cite sources saying the negotiations have reached an advanced stage and include a ransom payment. The reported deal would be made between the U.S. and Iraq following a secret visit by an Iraqi defense official to Washington. The U.S. firmly denies this.

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Grand Blanc

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FBI investigating deadly church attack as 'act of targeted violence'

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Chișinău

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Washington

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Tel Aviv-Yafo

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Tehran

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Kyiv

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Tamil Nadu

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Beirut

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Manhattan

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Dallas

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Globe

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Karur

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Toronto

Global Tariffs

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New York

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Washington County

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Paris

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Copenhagen

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Quantico

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Breakdown