In a move that has intensified already strained relations between Iran and the United States, Iranian authorities have detained Iranian-American journalist Reza Valizadeh. Valizadeh, who previously worked for U.S.-funded Radio Farda, was arrested in Tehran in September 2024 and is currently held in Evin Prison without access to legal representation.

According to various reports, sources close to his family state his case is being handled by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, specifically overseen by Judge Abolqasem Salavati. The charges against him remain unknown.

Elvin Prison
Welcome to the Elvin house of detention. From this angle, it looks like a big block warehouse for human beings. Iranian political prisoners have been housed here since 1972. Image Credit: Dena Hadian

Valizadeh returned to Iran in March 2024 after 16 years abroad, during which he was associated with various Persian-language media outlets, including Radio France and Voice of America. Upon his arrival, he was interrogated by agents from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Ministry of Intelligence but was initially released after pledging to comply with future proceedings.

In August, Valizadeh posted on social media about his return, stating, “I arrived in Tehran on March 6, 2024. Before that, I had unfinished negotiations with the [Revolutionary Guard’s] intelligence department.” He added that he returned without any security guarantees.

Reports indicate that Valizadeh was rearrested approximately a month ago and is now facing charges, including alleged collaboration with foreign Persian-language media. His case is being handled by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolqasem Salavati. To date, the specific charges against him remain undisclosed.

The U.S. State Department has acknowledged awareness of Valizadeh’s detention and is seeking more information through Swiss intermediaries, as Switzerland represents U.S. interests in Iran. A State Department spokesperson stated, “Iran routinely imprisons U.S. citizens and other countries’ citizens unjustly for political purposes. This practice is cruel and contrary to international law.”

 

Here is a translation from Reza’s text above:

I arrived in Tehran on March 16, 2023. Before that, I had half-finished negotiations with the IRGC Intelligence Organization. Finally, I returned to my country after 14 years, on my own responsibility and without a letter of trust, even verbally. If they cut off my internet, have this name from me for now: Ashkan Azizi and a game called Waja.

Valizadeh’s arrest coincides with heightened tensions in the region, particularly following an Israeli attack on Iran and subsequent threats of retaliation from Tehran. The timing of his detention, alongside Iran’s history of detaining dual nationals, suggests a potential strategy to leverage such individuals in international negotiations.

Human rights organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), have expressed alarm over Valizadeh’s detention. Yeganeh Rezaian, CPJ’s interim Middle East and North Africa program coordinator stated, “Iranian authorities must immediately release journalist Reza Valizadeh and drop any charges levied against him.”

Former US Embassy
This is a look inside the former US Embassy in Tehran. The building has been turned into an anti-American museum. Their government has no love for the United States. This image was taken on October 22, 2024. Image Credit: Newsweek

As of now, Iranian officials have not publicly commented on Valizadeh’s arrest. His detention adds to the growing list of journalists and dual nationals imprisoned in Iran, raising concerns about press freedom and the safety of foreign nationals within the country.

News of Valizadeh’s detention comes on the heels of a SOFREP report on the execution of California-based journalist Jamshid Sharmahd at the hands of the Iranians. In both of these cases, it seems the Biden administration has been completely powerless in securing the freedom of our people. 

For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to SOFREP.