U.S. Citizens Detained in Iran Share Grim Insights From Evin Prison

On August 7, CBS News shared an update from U.S. journalist Reza Valizadeh, held in Iran’s Evin Prison. He relayed information about his current situation and fellow American detainee Kamran Hekmati.

Valizadeh is among five U.S. citizens trapped in Iran, with two at Evin and three under exit bans preventing them from leaving. Hekmati, recently forced back to prison, faces challenges obtaining medical care for recurring cancer.

According to Kieran Ramsey, Hekmati’s advocate from Global Reach, “Hekmati’s attempts to receive chemotherapy treatment have failed.” Hekmati, a Jewish Iranian-American hailing from New York, turns 62 soon. Arrested after the 2025 Iran-Israel conflict, he faces charges related to past travel to Israel.

Both men are considered wrongfully detained by the State Department. Valizadeh, detained since 2024, reports no family visits in five months due to perceived punitive measures by Iranian authorities. He also expressed concern over exposure to a fellow prisoner with tuberculosis symptoms.

Valizadeh, in his message, shared alarming conditions, stating, “Medical care in the prison is almost non-existent… Diseases eradicated decades ago have returned.” He described rudimentary medical supplies and theft by prison staff, resulting in prisoners avoiding treatment unless necessary.

The U.S. government, while aware of these cases, has not publicly confirmed raising them during negotiations with Iran. A Trump administration official told CBS News in June of their ongoing efforts to secure the detainees’ release.

Valizadeh’s message from Evin Prison highlights how prisoners are deprived of library access, sports facilities, and proper medical care. Those who protest face retaliation, such as loss of family visits. He hasn’t seen his family in five months, partially due to punishment connected to wartime conditions.

Recent prison developments include transferring non-political prisoners to disrupt unity among political detainees, exacerbating overcrowding and poor conditions. Despite such hardships, Valizadeh remains determined to share his experiences and seek public attention to aid in securing freedom.