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Senators Urge Rubio To Prioritize Release Of U.S. Journalist Held In Iran

Written by TNNBot on

On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, Sens. Brian Schatz, Marsha Blackburn, Jacky Rosen and Dave McCormick sent Secretary of State Marco Rubio a letter urging urgent action to free U.S.-Iranian journalist Reza Valizadeh held in Iran.[1]

The senators said Valizadeh, a 49-year-old U.S.-Iran dual citizen and former Radio Farda journalist, has been imprisoned since September 2024 and is serving a 10-year sentence in Evin Prison.[1] They warned his health has significantly deteriorated and that he has been denied needed asthma treatment, including access to an inhaler.[1] The letter asks Rubio to make Valizadeh's case a priority as U.S. officials weigh broader policy on Iran.[1]

Valizadeh was designated wrongfully detained by the State Department in May 2025.[1] His imprisonment followed a conviction for collaborating with a hostile government, and supporters and human rights advocates have repeatedly pressed for his release.[1]

The senators' appeal comes as the Trump administration considers next steps in the seven-month war with Iran and prepares for U.N. General Assembly meetings in New York.[1]

  1. CBS News
U.S.-Iran Relations Americans Detained Abroad
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📌 Key Facts

  • On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, Sens. Brian Schatz, Marsha Blackburn, Jacky Rosen and Dave McCormick sent Secretary of State Marco Rubio a letter urging urgent action on Reza Valizadeh’s case.
  • Reza Valizadeh, a 49-year-old U.S.-Iran dual citizen and former Radio Farda journalist, has been imprisoned in Iran since September 2024 and is serving a 10-year sentence for collaborating with a hostile government.
  • The State Department designated Valizadeh as wrongfully detained in May 2025.
  • Senators say Valizadeh’s health has significantly deteriorated at Evin Prison and that he has been denied needed asthma treatment, including an inhaler.
  • The appeal comes as the Trump administration considers next steps in the seven-month Iran war and prepares for U.N. General Assembly meetings in New York.

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September 22, 2026
5:16 PM
Senators press Rubio to prioritize release of American journalist held in Iran
CBS News