That year, 52 Americans were taken hostage in Tehran for 444 days. But western concerns about Iran’s possible nuclear program are central to the case. Bank expert Bert Ely told VOA that the investigation is part of an effort by several western countries to limit Iran’s nuclear program. They accuse Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapon. He said enforcement of the bank secrecy Act and other laws is part of an effort by financial officials to cut off money flows to Iran.