An Iranian-American journalist, who previously worked for a U.S. government-funded broadcaster, is believed to have been detained by Iran for several months, as confirmed by the U.S. State Department. Reza Valizadeh, a former employee of Radio Farda, an outlet under Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty overseen by the U.S. Agency for Global Media, was reportedly imprisoned in Iran. Valizadeh's detention coincided with Iran's commemoration of the 45th anniversary of the American Embassy takeover and hostage crisis.
Valizadeh had indicated on social media that his family members were detained in an attempt to coerce his return to Iran. Despite Radio Farda being viewed unfavorably by Iran's government, Valizadeh posted messages suggesting his return to Iran in August. Reports indicated that he was initially detained upon arrival in Iran earlier this year, released, and then rearrested and sent to Evin prison for a case in Iran's Revolutionary Court.
