Italy releases Iranians: diplomacy in times of tensions!

Italy released the Iranian citizen Mohammad Abedini, who was arrested in Jordan due to allegations of his alleged role in a fatal drone attack. This attack in January 2024 led to the death of three US soldiers. As Antenne Münster , Abedini was arrested at the airport in Milan in mid-December. The Italian Minister of Justice Carlo Nordio then requested that his detention decided and a court in Italy decided to stop the arrest. This made it possible to return to Iran on Sunday.

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the release of Abedini. He was imprisoned for allegations regarding the delivery of drone technology, which, however, did not represent a criminal offense under Italian law, which made delivery impossible. A large number of reports also point out possible diplomatic negotiations that led to clarify the situation, with speculation that Abedini's arrest and the simultaneous imprisonment of the Italian journalist Cecilia Sala are linked.

detention of Cecilia Sala

Cecilia Sala, which was arrested in Tehran three days after her arrest three days after Abedini's arrest, was released under similar circumstances last week. The Iranian authorities had accused Sala of violating the media laws of the Islamic Republic. She spent 20 days in strict solitary confinement in the Ewin prison. According to Devdiscourse could have been taken at the extradition to Abedinis to the USA to prevent.

The Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also took part in sensitive diplomatic negotiations on the matter, including a visit to Florida, where she met US President Donald Trump. These developments illustrate the strategic role of Italy in dealing with the interests of Tehran and Washington.