Is Elizabeth Tsurkov coming home? Here's what we know

Negotiations to secure the release of Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian academic kidnapped in Baghdad in March 2023, are in advanced stages, according to Arab media reports.

Iraqi officials told Saudi outlet Al-Hadath that “serious efforts” are underway, with a potential deal within 10 days, while Iraq’s Alrabiaa network reported that the agreement involves releasing an Iranian detainee and six others accused of attacks on U.S. interests.

Tsurkov, 38, a Princeton doctoral student, was abducted by the Iran-backed Shiite militia Kataib Hezbollah, though the group has not claimed responsibility.

The proposed deal includes freeing Mohammad Reza Nouri, an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officer sentenced to life in Iraq for the 2022 murder of American civilian Stephen Troell. U.S. approval for Nouri’s release remains a sticking point, with a senior U.S. official denying a breakthrough to Walla, calling Arab media reports inaccurate.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is reportedly navigating pressure from Washington, following a covert visit by an Iraqi security official, to balance ties with the U.S. and Iran. Al-Hadath cited officials saying Tsurkov may be transferred to a neutral party to avoid domestic backlash in Iraq. An Iraqi source told Kan that the militia has not yet approved the deal despite al-Sudani’s efforts.

Emma Tsurkov, Elizabeth’s sister, expressed cautious hope, telling Ynet, “We hope the reports are true, but right now we don’t have any details. We await official updates.”

U.S. Hostage Envoy Adam Boehler has led efforts, reportedly warning al-Sudani in March of “political and economic consequences” if Tsurkov is not freed. Under the Biden administration, Tsurkov’s family struggled to gain U.S. support due to her non-American citizenship.

Tsurkov entered Iraq on her Russian passport for research on Shia movements. A November 2023 video aired by Al Rabiaa showed her under duress, mentioning the Israel-Hamas war.

While some speculate she may have been moved to Iran, Western diplomats told The Jerusalem Post they believe she remains in Iraq.

A senior U.S. State Department official told i24NEWS, "While talks are always ongoing, the reports of a deal in the published framework are completely false."

The report added that the deal would also include the release of an Iranian citizen who murdered an American, something the U.S. administration opposes.