WASHINGTON - The U.S. State Department is investigating reports that Iran had arrested three American tourists near the border with Iraq, a spokeswoman said on Saturday.

We are using all available means to determine the facts in this case, State Department spokeswoman Megan Mattson said. The safety and security of American citizens remains the U.S. government's top priority. We take all detention cases very seriously.

Iran's al-Alam television station reported that three American tourists were arrested near the border of Iraq after entering Iran.

(Reporting by Lisa Richwine; Editing by Bill Trott)

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