Bipartisan senators press Rubio to prioritize release of American journalist held in Iran

TL;DR

A bipartisan group of senators is pressing Secretary of State Marco Rubio to prioritize the release of imprisoned American journalist Reza Valizadeh.
Valizadeh, a U.S.-Iranian dual citizen and former journalist for Radio Farda, has been held in Iran since September 2024.
He was sentenced to 10 years for "collaborating with a hostile government," a charge related to his journalism and alleged cooperation with the U.S.
Senators are concerned about Valizadeh's deteriorating health in Evin Prison and his repeated denial of medical care, including treatment for asthma.
The State Department has formally designated Valizadeh as wrongfully detained.
The senators described his detention as part of a pattern by Iran of targeting journalists and dual nationals, using them as political pawns.
This appeal comes amid ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict and discussions at the U.N. General Assembly.
Recently, another American designated as wrongfully detained, Kamran Hekmati, was released, and dual citizen Dena Karari was allowed to return to the U.S. after a heart attack.

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