Senators Urge Action for American Journalist Detained in Iran

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to prioritize the release of an American journalist imprisoned in Iran. Concerns grow over his declining health and potential life-threatening conditions.

Senators Brian Schatz, Marsha Blackburn, Jacky Rosen, and Dave McCormick wrote to Rubio, emphasizing the need to use ‘all available diplomatic channels’ to free Reza Valizadeh, a former journalist for Radio Farda, a U.S.-funded broadcaster. The senators stressed, ‘With every day of continued detention, Mr. Valizadeh’s life is in danger.’

Valizadeh, a 49-year-old U.S.-Iranian dual citizen, has been held in Iran since September 2024. He was sentenced to 10 years for ‘collaborating with a hostile government,’ linked to his reporting work and alleged ties with the U.S. The State Department formally designated him as wrongfully detained in May 2025.

The letter expresses alarm at Valizadeh’s health deterioration in Tehran’s Evin Prison, noting he has been denied necessary medical care, including an inhaler for his asthma. The State Department has not commented on the matter.

Reza Valizadeh has spoken of worsening prison conditions in recordings obtained by CBS News. He called on the U.S. government to assist in securing his release, highlighting inadequate medical treatment for himself and other detained Americans.

This senatorial appeal follows the recent release of Kamran Hekmati, another American wrongfully detained, who was freed from Evin Prison after serving half of a two-year sentence. Though released, Hekmati faces a travel ban preventing him from leaving Iran. The State Department has urged Tehran to lift the restriction.

In another case, Dena Karari, a U.S.-Iran dual citizen, returned to the U.S. after suffering a heart attack while being barred from leaving Iran on espionage accusations.

Secretary Rubio has said that the U.S. raises the issue of wrongfully detained Americans ‘at every opportunity,’ yet declines to discuss specific cases to avoid complicating negotiations.

The push from senators coincides with the Trump administration’s contemplation of its next moves in the ongoing conflict with Iran. The issue is expected to feature in discussions at the U.N. General Assembly in New York.

Valizadeh’s lawyer, Ryan Fayhee, stated, ‘Reza deserves the full attention and support of President Trump and the United States government, and he should be released immediately.’ As world leaders gather at the U.N., Fayhee urges Iran to demonstrate goodwill by releasing Valizadeh, which could be a step towards improving Iran-U.S. relations.

The senators argue that Valizadeh’s case reflects a broader pattern of Tehran targeting journalists and dual nationals, asserting that ‘Iran is not afraid to use American citizens as political pawns.’ They conclude, ‘His freedom and welfare must be an urgent priority with Iranian officials.’