### Iranian-American Journalist Reportedly Held by Iran; US State Department Responds

An Iranian-American journalist, Reza Valizadeh, who previously worked for US government-funded broadcaster Radio Farda, has reportedly been detained in Iran for several months, according to claims made by the US State Department on Sunday. This development was reported by the Associated Press.

Valizadeh's situation has come under scrutiny following a recent threat from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who vowed a "crushing response" to any attacks from Israel or the United States. The journalist, who has a history of working with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, publicly disclosed in February that his family members had been detained in an effort to coerce his return to Iran. Despite warnings, Valizadeh returned to Tehran on March 6, 2024, after 13 years abroad, without any security assurances from Iranian authorities.

In his August message, Valizadeh mentioned unfinished negotiations with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s intelligence department prior to his return. There had been ongoing rumors about his detainment, with the Human Rights Activists News Agency confirming that he was initially detained upon his arrival but was later released, only to be re-arrested and sent to Evin Prison. He is now expected to face trial in Iran’s Revolutionary Court. Valizadeh had previously been arrested in Iran in 2007.

While the Iranian government has not confirmed Valizadeh's detention, the US State Department claims that they are collaborating with Swiss partners to gather more details about his case. A representative stated, "Iran routinely imprisons US citizens and other countries' citizens unjustly for political purposes. This practice is cruel and contrary to international law."

This incident coincides with Iran's commemoration of the 45th anniversary of the American Embassy takeover and hostage crisis in 1979. Historically, Iran has used imprisoned individuals as leverage in negotiations with the United States. In a notable event in September 2023, five Americans were released by Iran in exchange for five Iranians held in US custody and $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets. If Valizadeh's detention is confirmed, he would be the first American known to be held by Iran since 2023.