Iran Detains Iranian-American Journalist Amid Rising Tensions
An Iranian-American journalist who once worked for a US government-funded broadcaster is believed to have been detained by Iran for months, authorities have said, further raising the stakes as Tehran threatens to retaliate over an Israeli attack on the country.
The imprisonment of Reza Valizadeh, which was acknowledged to the Associated Press by the US Department of State, came as Iran marked the 45th anniversary on Sunday of the US embassy takeover and hostage crisis. It also followed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, threatening both Israel and the US the day before with “a crushing response” as long-range B-52 bombers reached the Middle East in an attempt to deter Tehran.
Valizadeh had worked for Radio Farda, an outlet under Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty overseen by the US Agency for Global Media. In February, he posted on X that his family members had been detained in an effort to make him return to Iran.
“I arrived in Tehran on March 6, 2024. Before that, I had unfinished negotiations with the [Revolutionary Guards] intelligence department,” the message read in part. “Eventually I came back to my country after 13 years without any security guarantee, even a verbal one.”
Valizadeh added the name of a man who he claimed belonged to Iran’s intelligence ministry. The AP could not verify whether the person worked for the ministry.
Rumors have been circulating for weeks that Valizadeh had been detained. The Human Rights Activists News Agency, which monitors cases in Iran, said he had been detained on arrival in the country earlier this year, but was later released.
Valizadeh was then rearrested and sent to Evin prison, where he now faces a case in Iran’s revolutionary court, which routinely holds closed-door hearings in which secret evidence is routinely used against defendants, the agency reported. Valizadeh had faced arrest in 2007 as well, it said.
The US Department of State told AP that it was “aware of reports that this dual US-Iranian citizen has been arrested in Iran” when asked about Valizadeh.
“We are working with our Swiss partners who serve as the protecting power for the United States in Iran to gather more information about this case,” the department said. “Iran routinely imprisons US citizens and other countries’ citizens unjustly for political purposes. This practice is cruel and contrary to international law.”
Iran has not acknowledged detaining Valizadeh. Iran’s mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Voice of America, another US government-funded media outlet overseen by the Agency for Global Media, first reported the state department was acknowledging Valizadeh’s detention in Iran.
Since the 1979 US embassy crisis, in which dozens of hostages were released after 444 days in captivity, Iran has used prisoners with western ties as bargaining chips in negotiations with the world. In September 2023, five Americans detained for years in Iran were freed in exchange for five Iranians in US custody and for $6bn (£4.6bn) in frozen Iranian assets to be released by South Korea.
Valizadeh is the first American known to be detained by Iran in the time since.
Meanwhile, Iranian state television broadcast footage on Sunday of different cities across the country marking the anniversary of the embassy takeover.
Gen Hossein Salami, the head of the Revolutionary Guards, also spoke in Tehran, where he repeated a pledge made the day before by Khamenei. “The resistance front and Iran will equip itself with whatever necessary to confront and defeat the enemy,” he said, referring to the militant groups such as Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah backed by Tehran.
In Tehran, thousands gathered at the gate of the former US embassy chanted “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.” Some burned flags of the US and Israel along with effigies of the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
The crowd in the state-organized rallies chanted they were ready to defend the Palestinians.
Time.News Interview: Rising Tensions in Iran and the Detention of Reza Valizadeh
Editor (Alex): Welcome to Time.News, where we discuss the most pressing issues of our time. Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Sarah Makki, an expert in Middle Eastern politics and human rights. Dr. Makki, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Makki: Thank you for having me, Alex. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Alex: Let’s dive right into the situation surrounding Reza Valizadeh, the Iranian-American journalist recently detained in Iran. Can you give us some context? Why is his detention significant, especially now?
Dr. Makki: Certainly. Valizadeh’s situation is a reflection of the increasingly hostile environment in Iran, particularly against dual nationals and journalists. His detention coincides with heightened tensions between Iran and both the United States and Israel. The Iranian regime often uses such cases as political leverage, especially during periods of escalating conflict. Valizadeh, who worked for a US government-funded broadcaster, is symbolic of that interwoven relationship between media, politics, and diplomacy.
Alex: That’s an important point. The timing of his detention, especially with Iran marking the anniversary of the US embassy takeover and Ayatollah Khamenei’s recent threats, seems strategic. What do you think the Iranian government hopes to achieve by detaining someone like Valizadeh?
Dr. Makki: Detaining journalists, especially those associated with Western entities, allows the Iranian government to assert its power both domestically and internationally. It sends a message to Washington: “We can reach you through your citizens.” At the same time, it stirs nationalistic sentiments within Iran, portraying the detainee as a traitor working against the country. The timing aligns with a broader narrative to strengthen the regime’s position domestically amidst external pressures.
Alex: The reports suggest that Valizadeh had returned to Iran under precarious circumstances and had mentioned unfinished negotiations with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. Is this common for dual nationals or those who have lived abroad to face such risks upon returning?
Dr. Makki: Unfortunately, yes. Many dual nationals face significant risks when they try to return to Iran, especially if they have been critical of the government or worked with organizations perceived as adversarial. The Iranian state often seeks to intimidate these individuals, either by holding them or using their detentions for propaganda purposes. Valizadeh’s previous threats to his family and the lack of guarantees for his safety are indicative of a broader pattern of coercion.
Alex: Can you elaborate on the implications of the Iranian government not officially acknowledging Valizadeh’s detention? What does that mean for diplomatic relations and the potential resolution of his case?
Dr. Makki: When a government does not acknowledge the detention of a citizen, it complicates diplomatic negotiations. The US State Department has already indicated it is aware of Valizadeh’s situation and is working with Swiss diplomats who represent US interests in Iran. However, Iran’s refusal to acknowledge the situation can stall diplomatic communications and makes it more difficult to advocate for his release. The lack of transparency in Iran’s judicial system, especially within revolutionary courts, adds layers of complexity to any legal resolution.
Alex: what can the international community do in response to cases like Valizadeh’s and the broader trend of detaining journalists in Iran?
Dr. Makki: The international community, particularly organizations dedicated to human rights, must amplify their voices against these injustices. Public pressure can be crucial; sanctions targeting individuals responsible for human rights violations may deter further such actions. Moreover, there must be a concerted effort by international bodies to hold the Iranian government accountable for its actions and advocate for the rights of journalists and dual nationals. Engaging in dialogue while applying pressure is essential to create an environment where human rights are respected.
Alex: Thank you so much for your insights, Dr. Makki. It’s a complex situation, and we appreciate your expertise in shedding light on these pressing issues.
Dr. Makki: Thank you, Alex. It’s vital to keep these discussions alive as we navigate these challenging times.
Alex: You’ve been listening to the Time.News interview. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story and the implications for international relations.