What happens to Western nationals detained in Iran?

The outcomes for Western nationals detained in Iran vary significantly and cannot be grouped together. Each case has different circumstances that affect the duration of detention, with some detainees being released within months, like an Italian journalist who spent less than a year in custody, while others face prolonged detention, such as Nazanin Zagari Ratcliffe who was held for six years. These cases are unpredictable, with families often knowing about the detention for weeks before it becomes public. The detainees' families typically hope for a quick resolution, though the Iranian authorities handle each situation differently based on various factors, making the outcome uncertain for those involved.