The State Department has confirmed it is investigating reports of the arrest of an Iranian-American citizen in Iran. This development occurs amidst heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, particularly following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets last month.
A State Department spokesperson acknowledged awareness of reports regarding the arrest of Reza Valizadeh, an Iranian-American journalist, who rights groups indicated was detained in Tehran without legal representation. The spokesperson did not clarify if Valizadeh is the dual citizen in question.
The reports emerge as Iranian leaders have intensified their rhetoric, with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei threatening a "crushing response" to Israel and the United States. This coincides with the 45th anniversary of the U.S. embassy hostage crisis in Tehran, which began on November 4, 1979.
Rights organizations reported that Valizadeh was arrested in September and is currently held in Evin Prison, known for its harsh conditions. Valizadeh previously worked for Radio Farda, a U.S.-funded Persian-language outlet, before leaving the organization in November 2022.
The media outlet confirmed Valizadeh's detention but stated it had not received official confirmation of any charges against him. Iranian authorities have not responded to requests for comment regarding the situation.
Historically, Iran has used detained foreigners and dual citizens as leverage in its foreign policy, often arresting them on dubious charges to extract concessions from Western nations. The State Department has condemned this practice as "cruel and contrary to international law," advising American citizens against travel to Iran due to risks of arbitrary detention.
Iranian journalists, including those living abroad, frequently face intimidation from the government, which ranks Iran 176th out of 180 countries on the Reporters Without Borders press freedom index, highlighting its status as a significant jailer of journalists.
Valizadeh, who had been residing in the United States, traveled to Iran in February and was initially detained at the airport. After a conditional release, he was rearrested, although specific charges remain undisclosed. The Committee to Protect Journalists has called for his release and emphasized that journalists should be able to visit their homeland without fear of persecution.
In August, Valizadeh indicated on social media that he returned to Iran without any security guarantees and has not posted since.