According to the Wilson Center, Dr. Esfandiari was on her way to the airport on December 30th when three masked men with knives threatened to kill her and took her baggage and passports - both U.S. and Iranian.

NPR: Iran Detains Iranian-American Scholar

Esfandiari's troubles in Iran began when three masked men holding knives threatened to kill her on Dec. 30 as she was on her way to the Tehran airport after visiting her 93-year-old mother, the Wilson Center said.

NPR: American Scholar Released from Iranian Jail