Following imprisoned journalist Reza Valizadeh’s urgent plea for medical treatment, sent from Tehran鈥檚 notorious Evin prison, the International Press Institute (IPI) calls on the U.S. government to use all diplomatic tools at its disposal to secure treatment for him, and ensure his release is part of ongoing peace negotiations.聽
Valizadeh, a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen, has been jailed in connection to his previous work with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty鈥檚 Persian-language service, Radio Farda. In December 2024, he to 10 years behind bars for 鈥渃ollaborating with a hostile government.鈥澛�
He is currently being held in Tehran鈥檚 Evin prison, a site known for housing political prisoners of the Iranian regime, many of whom suffer a wide range of human rights abuses within its walls.聽
In a from inside Evin that was made public earlier this month, Valizadeh described 鈥減hysical pressure and mental torture鈥� he and several other Americans held in Evin prison have suffered behind bars and pleaded with the U.S. government to take action on their behalf to secure necessary medical treatment, and ultimately, their release.聽
The release of the recording comes as an unprecedented, monthslong internet blackout carried out by the Iranian regime at the end of May.聽
Since Israel鈥檚 attack on Evin, which caused a fire to break out at the prison, Valizadeh鈥檚 health has reportedly deteriorated. According to his U.S.-based lawyer, Valizadeh 鈥� who has asthma 鈥� suffers due to smoke inhalation. He has also been for several other ongoing health problems.聽聽
Evin prison and the surrounding neighbourhoods have come under repeated fire and bombardment over the past year, as hostilities have escalated between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, over the safety of the prison鈥檚 inhabitants.聽
Valizadeh has been officially recognised as 鈥渨rongfully detained鈥� by the U.S. State Department. In February 2026, only a day before the current conflict began, the U.S. Iran as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention, noting Tehran鈥檚 historic use of hostage-taking for political leverage.聽
Despite a of hostilities between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump that negotiations with Iran are continuing and that a deal to end the ongoing conflict, which began in February 2026, may be agreed upon in the coming weeks.聽