"I am asking the U.S. government to obtain medical assistance for myself and other Americans held here."
Iranian-American Journalist Appeals for Medical Help from Evin Prison
Reza Valizadeh, an Iranian-American journalist detained in Iran's Evin Prison, has issued a recorded plea for the U.S. government to secure medical care for himself and other American inmates. In the message, he directly asked Iranian authorities to "reduce physical and mental pressure," stating that he and three other Americans suffer from various diseases without access to proper medical services.
The recording was transmitted after Iran loosened a near-total internet blackout imposed three months ago following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes.
Valizadeh's lawyer, Ryan Fayhee, reported that his client has had trouble speaking since a fire caused by an Israeli airstrike on Evin Prison in June. He also suffers from back pain and dental issues.
Detention Status and Diplomatic Strategy
The U.S. State Department believes six Americans are currently detained in Iran. However, sources familiar with negotiations state that none will be released as part of the current truce talks. The reported strategy is to first broker a ceasefire and start nuclear talks, then handle the hostage issue separately.
A Trump administration official declined to comment on why Americans were not released as a goodwill gesture, citing diplomatic sensitivity.
Valizadeh's Message: "An Exchange Should Have Been Made"
In his recording, Valizadeh expressed dismay that the U.S. released Iranian sailors from a seized vessel without seeking an exchange for detained Americans. He referenced the May 4 seizure of the motor vessel Touska, whose 22 crew members were repatriated via Pakistan.
The State Department designated Valizadeh as wrongfully detained in May 2025, placing his case under the hostage affairs office. Another American, Kamran Hekmati, received a similar designation.
Fayhee requested that U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, or President Trump acknowledge the American detainees in their ongoing negotiations.
Background of the Case
- Valizadeh became a U.S. citizen in 2022 through his work for U.S.-funded broadcaster Radio Farda.
- He returned to Tehran believing he had assurances of safety from Iranian authorities. His family later suggested those guarantees may have been a trap involving a former colleague with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) .
- IRGC agents detained him, confiscated his U.S. passport, and charged him with "collaborating with a hostile government."
- He has been in detention for over 20 months.
Official Statements
"We hope for his swift and safe release." — Stephen Capus, president of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified that the U.S. is considering a two-phase agreement: starting with a cessation of violence and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, followed by talks on Iran's nuclear program.