Iranian-American Journalist Appeals for U.S. Intervention from Evin Prison

Iranian-American journalist Reza Valizadeh, currently detained in Iran’s Evin Prison, has reached out to the U.S. government seeking medical aid for himself and other detained Americans. In a phone call recorded inside the prison, Valizadeh urged the U.S. to request the Iranian authorities to alleviate the physical and mental hardships faced by prisoners like him.

Communication has been sparse due to a nearly complete internet shutdown in Iran since U.S. and Israeli airstrikes commenced three months ago. However, Valizadeh recently managed to transmit his message after the Iranian regime eased some restrictions.

In the two-minute recording, Valizadeh speaks of three other Americans also suffering health issues without adequate medical care at Evin Prison. CBS News has not verified the details of these individuals.

“Even if treating our diseases is a big demand, it would have at least asked the Iranian authorities to reduce not all the physical pressure and mental torture against us in captivity, but at least some of it,” Valizadeh pleaded.

Valizadeh’s lawyer, Ryan Fayhee, highlighted Valizadeh’s health struggles since a damaging Israeli airstrike on the prison the previous June. Valizadeh reportedly experiences severe coughing, back pain, and dental problems.

Fayhee stated, “He’s survived an airstrike on the prison, he survived the prison itself…He doesn’t have much to lose here in reaching out…to share his words with the American public.”

Valizadeh, alongside six other Americans, is believed to be detained in Iran. Diplomatic efforts aim to address the ongoing conflict and nuclear discussions before tackling the hostage issue separately. The U.S. State Department emphasizes the priority of their return, but cautions against intertwining it with a fragile truce.

Valizadeh expressed his disappointment regarding the U.S. decision to release Iranian sailors without using it as leverage to secure his and other detainees’ freedom. He questioned the gains made by the U.S. in doing so.

Formally declared “wrongfully detained” in May 2025, Valizadeh’s case is now overseen by the U.S. government’s hostage affairs office. The ongoing Iran diplomacy is led by White House special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, instead of State Department officials.

According to Fayhee, acknowledgment from top U.S. officials regarding the detained Americans is still awaited. He remains hopeful that communication about the steps being taken will emerge.

U.S. strategic discussions include a two-phase proposal with Iran. The first phase involves stopping violence and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The second phase focuses on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, requiring extensive negotiations.

Valizadeh’s Imprisonment in Iran

Valizadeh gained U.S. citizenship in 2022 and previously worked for U.S.-funded broadcaster Radio Farda. His arrest seems linked to pressure from Iranian intelligence to cooperate against his former employer. Despite assurances of his safety, Valizadeh believes he was trapped, possibly involving a former colleague connected to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

His detainment involved intense interrogation and confiscation of personal belongings, including his U.S. passport. Initially, Iranian authorities did not acknowledge his arrest.

Charged with “collaborating with a hostile government,” Valizadeh faces accusations often used against journalists and activists. Stephen Capus, president of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, emphasized Valizadeh’s prolonged separation from loved ones due to the Iranian government’s actions.

Capus remarked, “Reza has been callously separated from his family and friends for more than 20 months, by a violent and inhumane Iranian government…We are grateful that the U.S. government has declared Reza to be wrongfully detained.”