American journalist detained in Iran as Supreme Leader Khamenei threatens US, Israel, State Department says
Iranian-American journalist Reza Valizadeh, who worked for Radio Farda, the Iranian branch of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, is believed to have been detained by the Iranian regime for several months. The State Department officials have confirmed his imprisonment, highlighting the challenges faced by journalists in Iran. Radio Farda is known for providing objective journalism to its audience in Farsi, broadcasting from the Czech Republic. However, the Iranian government views it as a hostile outlet, leading to Valizadeh’s detainment.
Valizadeh’s detention coincides with Iran’s celebration of the 45th anniversary of the American Embassy takeover and hostage crisis. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued threats against the U.S. and Israel, escalating tensions in the region. The deployment of additional military forces to the Middle East by the U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has further fueled the hostilities between the two countries.
In February, Valizadeh mentioned on social media that his family members had been detained in Iran, pressuring him to return to the country. In August, he posted messages suggesting that he had returned to Iran without any guarantees for his safety. The Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that Valizadeh had been arrested and transferred to Evin prison, where he has been denied legal representation, and the charges against him remain undisclosed.
The State Department, in collaboration with the Swiss protecting power for the United States in Iran, is working to gather more information about Valizadeh’s case. Iran has a history of imprisoning individuals for political purposes, disregarding international law. Valizadeh is the first known American to be detained by Iran since the release of five Americans in exchange for frozen Iranian assets in 2023.
The anniversary of the embassy takeover was marked by anti-American and anti-Israeli sentiments in Iran, with demonstrators chanting slogans and burning flags. Gen. Hossein Salami, head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, reiterated Iran’s commitment to confronting the U.S. military presence in the Middle East and supporting resistance groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The situation underscores the challenges faced by journalists and individuals with dual citizenship in Iran. The international community must continue to advocate for Valizadeh’s release and uphold press freedom in the face of political repression.
