A bipartisan group of U.S. senators is pressing Secretary of State Marco Rubio to prioritize the release of Reza Valizadeh, a journalist and U.S.-Iranian dual citizen imprisoned in Iran. The senators express concern over Valizadeh’s deteriorating health, suggesting his life is at risk.
Senators Brian Schatz, Marsha Blackburn, Jacky Rosen, and Dave McCormick outlined their plea in a letter to Rubio, which was obtained by CBS News. They urge the Trump administration to use all diplomatic avenues to secure Valizadeh’s release.
“With every day of continued detention, Mr. Valizadeh’s life is in danger,” the senators stated in their letter. “We are extremely concerned that Iranian authorities could take sudden, arbitrary actions to endanger his life.”
Valizadeh, aged 49, has been held in Iran since September 2024. He faced a 10-year sentence on charges of collaborating with a hostile government, linked to his work for Radio Farda and alleged cooperation with the U.S. In May 2025, the State Department classified him as wrongfully detained.
The senators claim his health has worsened during his confinement at Tehran’s Evin Prison. They report he lacks access to necessary medical care, including medication for his asthma.
As of yet, the State Department has not commented. Reza Valizadeh, in past recordings obtained by CBS News, detailed worsening conditions within Evin Prison. This appeal aligns with recent events. Earlier this month, another wrongfully detained American, Kamran Hekmati, was freed from the same prison after serving half of a two-year sentence. However, he remains unable to leave Iran.
In an earlier incident in July, Dena Karari, also a U.S.-Iran dual citizen, returned to the U.S. after being barred from leaving Iran. She suffered a heart attack during her detention.
Secretary Rubio affirmed that the cases of detained Americans remain a top priority, although he refrains from discussing specifics to avoid complicating negotiations.
The senators’ request coincides with a crucial moment as the Trump administration considers further actions in its nearly seven-month conflict with Iran. Diplomatic possibilities and this situation are anticipated topics at the upcoming U.N. General Assembly in New York.
Ryan Fayhee, Valizadeh’s attorney, emphasized, “Reza deserves the full attention and support of President Trump and the United States government, and he should be released immediately.” Fayhee pointed out that Iran could showcase goodwill by releasing Valizadeh, which might begin to mend strained U.S.-Iran relations.
The senators argue Valizadeh’s detention exemplifies Iran’s pattern of targeting journalists and dual nationals. “Iran is not afraid to use American citizens as political pawns,” they state, urging Rubio to prioritize his freedom through diplomatic channels.
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