Iran's charges against US hikers "unfounded": Clinton

US Secretary of State has commented on the incident. Hillary Clinton says that Iran's charges against the three detained American hikers are "totally unfounded." She made a fresh appeal to Iranian authorities on Monday, calling for the release of the trio.

Clinton said, "There is no basis for it. The three young people who were detained by the Iranians have absolutely no connection with any kind of action against the Iranian state or government. In fact, they were out hiking and unfortunately, apparently, allegedly walked across an unmarked boundary. We appeal to the Iranian leadership to release these three young people and free them as soon as possible."

This undated photo provided in August 2009 by the Shourd family  shows Sarah Shourd, one of three American hikers being held in  Iran. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Monday urged Iran  to free the US hikers "as soon as possible" after Tehran announced  they would go on trial for illegally entering the country.  (AFP/Shourd Family-HO)