From Iran's Evin Prison, U.S. citizen Reza Valizadeh releases audio update

U.S. citizen and journalist Reza Valizadeh, held in Iran's notorious Evin Prison, has released a new audio update detailing his deteriorating situation and that of fellow American Kamran Hekmati. The recording, obtained by CBS News, follows a previous statement from Valizadeh in June.

Hekmati, a 62-year-old Iranian-American from New York, was reportedly ordered back to prison after a medical leave of less than 30 days. He had sought treatment for what is believed to be recurring cancer but was unable to access chemotherapy. Hekmati was arrested in 2025 on charges related to past travel to Israel, following a period of conflict between Iran and Israel.

Valizadeh, who has been imprisoned since 2024 and previously worked for Radio Free Europe's Persian service, stated that Iranian authorities have denied his family visits for the past five months, which he believes is a form of punishment. He also expressed worry about exposure to a fellow inmate showing symptoms of tuberculosis, including coughing up blood. Valizadeh highlighted that prisoners have received little to no medical care for over a year.

The Iranian mission at the United Nations offered no comment when approached by CBS News. Valizadeh's lawyer, Ryan Fayhee, emphasized the need for President Trump to prioritize the release of wrongfully detained Americans in negotiations with Iran. The Trump administration has stated it is tracking the cases and working to secure their release, though it has not publicly confirmed raising these specific cases in past negotiations.

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We, the prisoners of Evin Prison, have been denied access to the prison library and sport facilities for more than a year. Medical care in the prison is almo