Mohammad Abedini, an Iranian wanted by the U.S. for supplying drone technology linked to a lethal attack on soldiers in Jordan, has returned to Iran after being detained in Italy. He was arrested on a U.S. warrant on December 16, 2024, but Italy’s Justice Minister ordered his release, citing lack of charges recognized under Italian law. His return follows the release of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, believed to be detained as a bargaining chip for Abedini. The Italian Prime Minister acknowledged ongoing diplomatic negotiations between Iran and the U.S. as key to resolving the situation.
An Iranian wanted by the United States in connection with the death of three soldiers in a drone strike in Jordan has returned home after being detained in Italy last month.
Mohammad Abedini, 38, was arrested on a US warrant on December 16 on suspicion of providing advanced drone navigation technology used in the deadly January 2024 attack.
He had asked to be placed under house arrest pending an extradition hearing and was scheduled to appear in a Milan court on Wednesday.
However, local state television said the Swiss-Iranian had already returned to his home country after Italy’s justice minister asked a court to cancel the arrest.
Abedini’s arrest came three days before Italian journalist Cecilia Sala was detained while on a reporting trip to Iran.
Sala, who is believed to have been detained as a bargaining chip for Abedini’s release, returned to Italy last week.
An official document on the case released by Italy’s Ministry of Justice on Sunday said that under the extradition treaty between Italy and the United States, “only crimes punishable according to the laws of both parties can lead to extradition, the conditions of which are based on the status of the document.” said. , cannot be assumed to exist.
The ministry said potential charges against Abedini, a criminal organization that violated the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a U.S. federal law, “do not amount to any conduct that would be recognized as a crime under Italian law.”
Mohammad Abedini (pictured) was arrested on a US warrant on December 16 on suspicion of providing advanced drone navigation technology used in a legal attack in January 2024.
Cecilia Sala, an Italian journalist believed to have been detained as a bargaining chip for Abedini’s release, returned home last week.
“The decision taken by Justice Minister Carlo Nordio pleasantly surprised us,” Abedini’s lawyer told Italian news agency Ansa.
“My client is now a free man and will be able to smile and hope again. He always reiterated to me that he believes in justice and has confidence.”
Iranian state television said Abedini’s release and return came after Iran’s Foreign Ministry pursued the case and after “consultations” between Iran’s Intelligence Ministry and Italian intelligence services.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the “diplomatic triangle” between Iran and the United States was key to securing Salah’s release, confirming for the first time that Washington’s interests were in the negotiations.
Sarah’s release came after Meloni made a surprise visit to Florida to meet US President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago mansion.
After landing at Rome’s Ciampino airport, the 29-year-old greeted Meloni before heading home and hugging boyfriend Daniele Rainelli.
In announcing the journalist’s flight home, Meloni’s office said the prime minister had personally informed Sara’s parents and that the release was part of the government’s “intensive efforts on diplomatic and intelligence channels.” He said it was thanks to him.
Sarah, who spent three weeks in an Iranian prison, is hugged by her parents after landing.
Sara, 29, greeted Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as she landed at Rome’s Ciampino Airport on Wednesday.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Sunday that an Iranian national held in Italy had returned home after Rome announced it was seeking the cancellation of an arrest and extradition warrant.
“Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Bakaei announced the release and return to his homeland of Iranian national Mohammad Abedini Najafabadi, who is being held in Italy,” the ministry said in a statement.
