Senators press Rubio to prioritize release of American journalist held in Iran
Summary
A group of U.S. senators is urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to urgently work on freeing Reza Valizadeh, an American journalist imprisoned in Iran. They highlight that Valizadeh’s health is worsening and warn that his life is at risk while detained in Iran’s Evin Prison.Key Facts
- Reza Valizadeh is a U.S.-Iranian dual citizen and former journalist for Radio Farda.
- He has been imprisoned in Iran since September 2024 and sentenced to 10 years for "collaborating with a hostile government."
- The U.S. State Department labeled Valizadeh as wrongfully detained in May 2025.
- Senators from both parties asked Secretary Marco Rubio to use all diplomatic means to secure his release immediately.
- Valizadeh’s health has worsened, and he has been denied necessary medical treatment, including an inhaler for asthma.
- Other Americans, like Kamran Hekmati and Dena Karari, have also been detained in Iran but some have been released or remain barred from leaving.
- The Trump administration says it raises cases of wrongfully detained Americans whenever possible but avoids discussing details to avoid hurting negotiations.
- The senators emphasize that Iran has a history of detaining dual nationals and using them as political leverage.
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