Advocacy groups push for jailed Americans to be included in U.S.-Iran negotiations

As the U.S. and Iran prepare for a consequential 60-day period of negotiations, some hope diplomats could use it as an opportunity to push for the release of Americans wrongly detained in the Islamic republic.

Reza Valizadeh, 49, an Iranian-born journalist with U.S. citizenship, is one of several people considered wrongly detained by the State Department in Iran. He spent most of his career outside of Iran, working for Radio Free Europe and other outlets, before returning to the country in 2024 to visit family members.  

He was quickly arrested by Iranian authorities in September of that year and charged with “collaboration with a hostile government,” a vague charge often levied by Tehran on political opponents of the regime. 

He is currently serving a 10-year sentence in Iran’s Evin prison in Tehran. 

Foley Foundation, a U.S.-based organization that advocates for American hostages and journalists held abroad, says that Mr. Valizadeh was subjected to interrogation and solitary confinement.  

Ryan Fayhee, Mr. Valizadeh’s attorney, reports that his client’s health has significantly deteriorated due to worsening prison conditions—specifically overcrowding and poor air quality—exacerbated by a June 2025 Israeli airstrike and an influx of detainees in January after Tehran’s crackdown on protesters.

Advocates in the U.S. have not had much contact with Mr. Valizadeh or other detainees since his imprisonment, since the war began in February and Tehran instituted a brutal internet blackout. 

However, Mr. Valizadeh was able to relay an audio message in June that was critical of Washington for returning 22 captured Iranian sailors in May without securing his release. 

“The U.S. government could have at least demanded real medical services for us in exchange for the release of Iranian sailors,” he said in an audio message. “I am curious to know what concessions the U.S. government received in exchange.”

U.S. Central Command said it seized the ship Touska on May 4 after the vessel attempted to skirt around the U.S. naval blockade of Iran’s ports. 

The release of U.S. citizens wrongfully detained in Iran has remained relatively low on Washington’s diplomatic goals as it attempts to end its war with Iran. 

Reports on the details of the recently signed memorandum of understanding with Iran do not mention any upcoming discussion of the release of American detainees held by the Islamic republic. 

However, Mr. Fayhee said the Trump administration is working on the issue, and he hopes Mr. Valizadeh’s audio message will prompt authorities to discuss it. 

“I am really hopeful that all the profile raising of his case will force it to come up during negotiations,” he said. “Obviously, the issue is not in the MoU. But it’s something the government is working on, but maybe not talking about enough.”