Listen to Iranian American journalist Reza Valizadeh’s voice memo from Iran’s Evin Prison here Reza Validzadeh, an Iranian American imprisoned in Evin Prison, questions the U.S. government’s decision to release 20 Iranian sailors without negotiating for the release or improved conditions of American citizens, including himself, held in Iran. He suggests the U.S. could have demanded an exchange or at least better medical care and reduced mistreatment for the American detainees. Validzadeh expresses curiosity about any other concessions the U.S. might have received if the release of hostages was not the primary concern.

• Reza Validzadeh, an Iranian American, is imprisoned in Evin Prison, Tehran.
• He questions the U.S. release of 20 Iranian sailors on May 21.
• Validzadeh believes the U.S. could have negotiated for the exchange or better treatment of American citizens imprisoned in Iran.
• He highlights that he and three other Americans suffer from diseases and lack adequate medical services.
• Validzadeh wonders about the U.S. government’s priorities in its dealings with Iran if hostage release was not paramount.