politics

Listen to Iranian American journalist Reza Valizadeh's voice memo from Iran's Evin Prison here

Updated on: June 5, 2026 / 12:17 AM EDT / CBS News

Listen to Iranian American journalist Reza Valizadeh's voice memo from Iran's Evin Prison here

TL;DR

  • Reza Validzadeh, an Iranian American, is imprisoned in Evin Prison, Tehran.
  • He questions the U.S. release of 20 Iranian sailors on May 21.
  • Validzadeh believes the U.S. could have negotiated for the exchange or better treatment of American citizens imprisoned in Iran.
  • He highlights that he and three other Americans suffer from diseases and lack adequate medical services.
  • Validzadeh wonders about the U.S. government's priorities in its dealings with Iran if hostage release was not paramount.