Families talk to hikers held by Iran

TEHRAN, March 10 (UPI) -- The three U.S. hikers held by Iran since last summer spoke by telephone with relatives for the first time since they were jailed, their families said Wednesday.

Family members said Iranian authorities permitted Shane Bauer, Sarah Shourd and Josh Fattal to call relatives Tuesday, the first time the three have talked with their relatives since being detained on July 31, 2009, CNN reported.

"It was a tremendous relief to hear their voices at last and know that Shane, Sarah and Josh are keeping well and staying strong," the families said in a statement. "We believe the calls are a positive signal that their long detention may soon be over after these many months of anguish and uncertainty."

The three were detained after crossing into Iran while hiking and eventually charged with spying. Their families said the three strayed accidentally into Iran from Iraq at an unmarked border.