Janice R. Andrews
Iranian businessman Mohammad Abedini has returned home after being detained in Italy under a U.S. extradition request. Abedini was arrested in Milan last month, accused by U.S. authorities of supplying drone components allegedly used in a 2024 attack in Jordan that claimed the lives of three American soldiers. Iran has firmly denied any involvement in the incident.
Abedini’s release was facilitated by Italian Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, who requested the withdrawal of his arrest. Italian courts upheld the decision, stating that the U.S. accusations under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act were not recognized as criminal offenses under Italian law.
The case drew widespread attention, with speculation that Abedini’s detention was linked to the recent imprisonment of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala in Tehran. Iran denied using Sala’s detention as leverage, and she was released earlier this week.
Iranian officials, including Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, confirmed Abedini’s safe arrival in Tehran on Sunday. His lawyer, Alfredo De Francesco, expressed his client’s relief, noting that Abedini can now “smile and hope again.”
The case highlights the complexities of international extradition laws and the interplay of political diplomacy on the global stage.
