ROME (AP) — In a development steeped in diplomatic intrigue, the fates of an Italian journalist and an Iranian engineer are deeply intertwined as tensions rise between Iran and Italy over their respective detentions. The Iranian engineer, Mohammad Abedini, currently imprisoned in Italy on a U.S. warrant, could face extradition to the United States for alleged involvement in drone technology supplied to Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guard. A hearing scheduled for January 15 will determine whether Abedini will remain in prison or be granted house arrest while the extradition process unfolds. He was arrested at Milan’s Malpensa airport in mid-December, shortly before the detention of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala in Tehran.

Abedini's lawyer, Alfredo De Francesco, noted that during a recent visit, Abedini expressed concern for Sala, who is facing unspecified charges in Iran, which the Iranian government has termed violations of its laws. “He asked me to write the name of Cecilia Sala on a piece of paper so he could correctly pronounce her name,” De Francesco reported. “He told me he would pray for her and himself.” Sala’s arrest came just days after Abedini’s, raising speculation that she is being used as a bargaining chip in negotiations. Italian commentators suggested that Iran is intertwining their cases to pressure Italy regarding Abedini's detention.

The Iranian government has publicly requested that Italy reject what it calls America’s “hostage policy” and seeks Abedini's release in order to maintain good bilateral relations. The Iranian foreign ministry summoned the Italian ambassador to express its demands, claiming that Abedini is being held on false charges and urging Italy to act against the perceived overreach of U.S. authority.

Meanwhile, Italy’s own government faces a delicate situation of balancing diplomatic relations without compromising its national interests and obligations to the United States. The Italian Premier, Giorgia Meloni, is expected to discuss these matters further as she hosts President Joe Biden in the coming days. The backdrop of past issues, such as the case of Artyom Uss, a Russian businessman who escaped Italy after obtaining house arrest—despite a U.S. warning about flight risk—adds to the complexities of the current diplomatic landscape.

Rights groups have criticized Iran for frequently detaining foreigners and dual nationals, alleging that such actions are tactics to extract concessions from other nations. Iran has consistently denied these allegations, framing such detentions as justified legal actions against those violating local law.

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