Italy's justice minister pushes to release US-wanted Iranian linked to deadly drone strike
- Mohammad Abedini Najafabadi was arrested in Milan at the request of the United States for his alleged involvement in a lethal drone strike.
- Italy's justice minister requested to revoke his arrest, citing lack of recognition of the charges under Italian law.
- The release of Abedini illustrates the complex diplomatic negotiations between Italy and Iran regarding detained nationals.
Iran confirmed that Mohammad Abedini Najafabadi, an Iranian citizen, had returned home after being released from detention in Italy. He had been held in Milan since December 16 on a U.S. warrant, accused of supplying drone technology that was allegedly used in a deadly attack on a U.S. military base in Jordan, resulting in the deaths of three American service members. Italian authorities took the decision to revoke the arrest following arguments that the charges against Abedini were not recognized as crimes under Italian law, indicating the complexity of the extradition treaty with the U.S. This decision coincided with diplomatic negotiations between Iran and Italy following the release of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala. Sala’s return to Italy was perceived as linked to Abedini’s situation, although Iranian officials denied a direct connection.