Detained Iranian‑American Journalist Records Plea for Medical Help From Evin Prison

Overview

• CBS News released a roughly two‑minute voice memo on June 5, 2026 in which Reza Valizadeh, held in Evin Prison, pleaded with U.S. officials to secure medical care for himself and other Americans in custody.
• Valizadeh said he and three other detainees are “deprived from real medical services,” and his lawyer reported lasting cough, back pain and dental problems after fires at Evin following an airstrike last year.
• The State Department designated Valizadeh as “wrongfully detained” in May 2025 and placed his case with the U.S. Hostage Affairs Office, and U.S. officials say they now believe six Americans are detained in Iran.
• Multiple sources familiar with diplomacy told CBS News that the current two‑phase truce talks, led by White House envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, do not include detainee releases and will treat hostage recovery on a separate track.
• The Committee to Protect Journalists and advocates called the recording a grave humanitarian alert that increases pressure on U.S. negotiators and highlights the need for transparent steps to secure medical care and release for wrongfully held Americans.