Iran Unveils New Mid-Range Missile Etemad Capable of Targeting Israel

Iran is leveraging hostage-taking as a strategic diplomatic tool amid looming nuclear negotiations, with the recent release of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala highlighting this tactic. Sala was detained in December 2024 and released on January 8, 2025, reportedly in exchange for the release of Iranian engineer Mohammad Abedini from Italy. Political scientist David Rigoulet-Roze notes that such actions aim to secure concessions, including prisoner swaps and the unblocking of frozen funds. This approach to diplomacy has intensified since the U.S. withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2018 and underscores Iran's efforts to pressure European nations ahead of the agreement's expiration on October 18, 2025. The release of Sala and another European hostage, Nahid Taghavi, signifies Iran's strategic maneuvering, as it seeks renewed dialogue with countries involved in the nuclear talks—including Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. As the situation evolves, the Iranian government aims to exploit divisions within Europe and extract favorable terms in its negotiations with Western powers, reflecting a long-standing pattern of obtaining leverage through hostage diplomacy.

Iran's recent release of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala on January 8, following her arrest in December, underscores the country's ongoing strategy of hostage diplomacy as a foreign policy tool, particularly during a crucial year for nuclear negotiations. According to political scientist David Rigoulet-Roze of the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs, Iran uses such arrests to negotiate for the release of its nationals or for financial concessions. Sala's release coincided with Iran's diplomatic overtures to re-engage with Western nations regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) slated to expire on October 18. Former Iranian political prisoner Taghi Rahmani noted that Iran perceives an opportunity to apply pressure on Europe in light of a new U.S. administration. Amid rising tensions, the cases of Western hostages, including French nationals, highlight concerns over Iran's tactics. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has characterized the conditions of some European detainees in Iran as akin to "torture," while emphasizing that the release of hostages must precede any negotiations.

Iran has resumed its use of hostage diplomacy, exemplified by the recent release of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, who was held for 21 days. According to political scientist David Rigoulet-Roze, this tactic serves two primary purposes: to negotiate the release of Iranian prisoners abroad and to reclaim frozen assets. Sala’s release on January 8 followed Italy's extradition of Iranian engineer Mohammad Abedini, linked to drone-related attacks on American soldiers. The strategic nature of hostage diplomacy has evolved since the 2015 nuclear deal negotiations, becoming a core element of Iran's foreign policy as it faces the expiration of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on October 18. Observers suggest that Iran is leveraging this tactic more aggressively as it seeks to divide European allies in the wake of increased U.S. sanctions. Moreover, the release of other hostages, such as German-Iranian Nahid Taghavi, coincided with nuclear negotiations in Geneva, indicating Iran's intent to use hostages as bargaining chips. As diplomatic efforts continue, the implications of hostage diplomacy remain significant in shaping international relations.