Italy Releases Iranian Man Linked to U.S. Drone Attack in Jordan

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Italy has released Mohammad Abedini, an Iranian citizen wanted by the United States for his alleged involvement in a drone attack in Jordan that resulted in the deaths of three American soldiers last year. Abedini was arrested on a U.S. warrant on December 16, 2024, just three days prior to the detention of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala in Iran, who was believed to be used as leverage for Abedini's release.

On January 12, 2025, Italian state officials confirmed that Abedini had returned to Iran. He was scheduled for a Milan court appearance where he would have sought house arrest pending extradition to the U.S. However, the Italian justice minister requested to revoke his arrest, stating that extradition could not proceed because the accused conduct is not recognized as a crime under Italian law.

The U.S. Department of Justice accused Abedini of providing drone technology to Iran that was used in the attack, which occurred in January 2024. According to the Italian justice ministry, the potential charges against him did not align with Italian legal statutes, making extradition unfeasible.

The release of Abedini reportedly followed diplomatic efforts from both Iran's foreign ministry and intelligence discussions between Iranian and Italian officials. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni noted the involvement of U.S. interests in the negotiations that ultimately led to Sala's return, after she was held in Iran for several weeks.

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