A group of senators from both parties is calling on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to prioritize the release of Reza Valizadeh, an American journalist imprisoned in Iran. They warn that his health has declined, putting his life at risk.
In a letter obtained by CBS News, Senators Brian Schatz, Marsha Blackburn, Jacky Rosen, and Dave McCormick urged the Trump administration to utilize all diplomatic measures for Valizadeh’s release. The journalist, 49, has been detained in Iran since September 2024. He returned to visit his parents and was sentenced to a decade in prison for alleged collaboration with a hostile government, linked to his work at Radio Farda.
The State Department identified Valizadeh as wrongfully detained in May 2025. The senators expressed concern about his health, noting he has been denied necessary medical care, including an inhaler for asthma, at Tehran’s Evin Prison.
“With every day of continued detention, Mr. Valizadeh’s life is in danger,” they emphasized. “We are extremely concerned that Iranian authorities could take sudden, arbitrary actions to endanger his life.”
Recordings acquired by CBS News depict worsening prison conditions as reported by Valizadeh, who has appealed for U.S. government intervention. In a similar case, Kamran Hekmati, identified as wrongfully detained, was freed from the same prison on September 5, though he is still prohibited from leaving Iran. Another dual citizen, Dena Karari, returned to the U.S. after a medical emergency.
Secretary Rubio has reiterated the administration’s commitment to addressing wrongful detentions and considers these cases a top priority. The senators highlighted Iran’s pattern of using dual nationals as political leverage and stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts. Valizadeh’s attorney, Ryan Fayhee, urged for immediate action and posited that releasing Valizadeh could enhance diplomatic relations during the U.N. General Assembly.
“Iran has an opportunity to demonstrate goodwill through action,” Fayhee stated. “The release of Reza would not resolve every issue between our nations, but it could help break a cycle of mistrust that has made it unsafe for Iranian-Americans to visit the country of their heritage.”
The ongoing war with Iran is also on the agenda at these diplomatic meetings, with the hope of making progress on multiple fronts. The senators’ unified stance underscores a critical appeal to prioritize Valizadeh’s welfare and release.