
Italy has released Iranian businessman Mohammad Abedini, wanted by the U.S. in connection to a drone attack that killed American soldiers.
At a Glance
- Mohammad Abedini, arrested in Milan, was accused of providing technology that aided in a drone attack responsible for killing three US soldiers.
- Italy’s Justice Minister cancelled Abedini’s arrest, stating extradition laws weren’t met.
- U.S. Justice Department charged Abedini with conspiring to export drone technology to Iran.
- Abedini’s release came shortly after the freeing of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala from Iranian detention, though Tehran denies any connection between the events.
Abedini’s Arrest and Charges
In December, Iranian businessman Mohammad Abedini found himself at the center of an international incident when he was detained in Milan, Italy. The arrest came at the request of the United States, following a drone attack that resulted in the deaths of three American soldiers. The U.S. Justice Department leveled serious charges against Abedini, accusing him and associate Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi of conspiring to illegally export drone technology from the United States to Iran.
The gravity of the situation was underscored by the fact that this attack marked the first U.S. troop deaths by enemy fire in the Middle East since the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. The charges against Abedini specifically related to a January 2024 drone strike on a US outpost in Jordan, which not only claimed three American lives but also injured dozens more.
Italy releases Iranian businessman wanted by US over drone attack that killed Americans https://t.co/oyE91KOuxk
— KRDO13 (@KRDO_13) January 13, 2025
Italy’s Decision
However, Italy’s Justice Minister Carlo Nordio intervened, requesting the cancellation of Abedini’s arrest. The rationale behind this decision centered on a crucial legal principle. Nordio stated that extradition could only proceed for “only crimes punishable under the laws of both (countries).” This legal nuance proved to be the key factor in Abedini’s release.
The Milan appeals court, following Nordio’s intervention, officially canceled Abedini’s arrest. The court ruled that extradition was not permissible as the crimes Abedini was accused of were not punishable under both Italian and U.S. law. This decision effectively closed the door on the U.S. request for Abedini’s extradition.
Reactions and Speculations
Abedini’s lawyer, Alfredo De Francesco, expressed both surprise and satisfaction at the turn of events. He stated that the decision “happily surprised us,” emphasizing that there were no grounds for extradition from the outset. The lawyer’s comments reflect the unexpected nature of the release, given the severity of the charges and the international attention the case had garnered.
Meanwhile, Mizan, Iran’s judiciary news agency, claimed that Abedini’s arrest was due to a “misunderstanding” that had been resolved through the efforts of Iranian ministries.
The Cecilia Sala Case
Reports have noted that Abedini’s release took place just days after the freeing of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala from detention in Iran. This timing has led to widespread speculation about a possible diplomatic exchange or negotiation, although Tehran has denied any connection between the cases.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made a recent visit to see U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, where Sala’s case was reportedly expected to be discussed. Meloni herself alluded to a “diplomatic triangulation” involving Iran and the U.S., though she did not provide further details.
Implications and Unanswered Questions
The release of Mohammad Abedini and the freeing of Cecilia Sala raise important questions about international law, diplomacy, and the complex relationships between nations.
As Abedini returns to Iran and Sala to Italy, the full story behind these releases remains shrouded in diplomatic ambiguity. The case serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between national sovereignty, international cooperation, and the pursuit of justice across borders. It also highlights the ongoing tensions and negotiations that continue to shape relationships between Western nations and Iran.
Sources
- Tehran warns Rome bilateral ties at risk if detained Iranian not released from prison
- Italy releases Iranian businessman wanted by US over drone attack that killed Americans
- Italy releases Mohammad Abedini, indicted in the United States over Jordan drone attack
- Italy releases Iranian man wanted by U.S. over drone attack that killed 3 soldiers