An Iranian American journalist imprisoned in Iran has recorded an audio message pleading with the U.S. government to secure medical care for himself and three other American detainees held in Tehran’s Evin Prison, which has left him suffering from a persistent cough, back pain, and dental problems.
Reza Valizadeh, who became a U.S. citizen in 2022 through his work with U.S.-funded Radio Farda, was arrested in Tehran in 2023 and accused of collaborating with a hostile government. The State Department has designated him as “wrongfully detained.” According to his lawyer, his health worsened following a 2024 airstrike-related fire at the prison. In the message obtained by CBS News, Valizadeh urges the U.S. government to press Iran to ease “physical pressure and mental torture” if it cannot secure his release, describing himself and the other detainees as ill and cut off from adequate treatment.
The State Department contends that six Americans are currently held in Iran, though sources tell CBS News the detainees are not part of ongoing peace negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Valizadeh also criticized a recent U.S. decision to return 20 Iranian sailors in May without demanding a prisoner swap, though he said he respects the move provided other undisclosed concessions truly serve U.S. interests.
The Committee to Protect Journalists has called on the U.S. government to step up efforts to secure Valizadeh’s release. His case highlights the medical plight of American detainees held abroad and the limited leverage available to negotiate their freedom amid complex diplomatic relations.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.newser.com/story/390530/us-reporter-in-iranian-prison-pleads-for-medical-care.html