In a phone call from Evin Prison in Iran, Iranian-American journalist Reza Valizadeh urged the U.S. government to secure medical assistance for him and other Americans detained there. He described the harsh conditions and lack of medical care they face.

Following recent airstrikes by the U.S. and Israel, Iran imposed an internet blackout, severely limiting communication. However, Valizadeh’s message was shared after the regime relaxed restrictions.

In his two-minute message, Valizadeh mentioned three other Americans at Evin Prison suffering without proper medical services. CBS News could not independently verify this information.

He’s survived an airstrike on the prison, he survived the prison itself, you know, the indignity of being held.

Valizadeh’s lawyer, Ryan Fayhee, explained that his client experiences persistent health issues due to last year’s fires at the prison, which were caused by an Israeli airstrike.

The State Department estimates six Americans are imprisoned in Iran. Despite ongoing diplomatic negotiations, sources say these Americans are not included in the current truce discussions. The focus remains on ending the conflict before addressing hostage issues.

Valizadeh expressed frustration over the U.S. releasing Iranian sailors without securing freedom for the Americans detained in Iran. He questioned the concessions gained from this gesture.

The U.S. designated Valizadeh as wrongfully detained in May 2025. Special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner lead the Iran diplomacy efforts, not the State Department.

Another American, Kamran Hekmati, also received the wrongfully detained designation by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

During recent Congressional testimony, Rubio mentioned a potential two-phase deal with Iran. The first phase could see a ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, while the second could involve intricate nuclear negotiations.

Valizadeh, a U.S. citizen since 2022, worked for Radio Farda, a U.S.-funded broadcaster. Believing false assurances of safety, he returned to Tehran before his arrest. Iranian media reports suggested authorities hoped to involve Valizadeh against his former employer by using his cooperation.

After his detention, Valizadeh faced isolation and intense interrogation. He was charged with collaborating with a hostile government, a charge commonly used against journalists and activists in Iran.

Stephen Capus, president of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, expressed the hope that Valizadeh would soon reunite with his family. Valizadeh has been held for over 20 months.