An Iranian businessman, Mohammad Abedini, who was detained in Italy at the request of the United States in connection with a drone attack that killed three Americans, has been released. Abedini, 38, was arrested in Milan in December on charges related to a drone strike that resulted in the deaths of three US Army soldiers and injuries to several others in Jordan last year.
The US Justice Department had accused Abedini and another individual of conspiring to export drone technology from the US to Iran. However, Italy's Justice Minister requested the cancellation of Abedini's arrest, stating that extradition could not proceed as the alleged crimes did not align with both countries' laws.
Abedini's lawyer expressed relief at the decision, emphasizing that his client can now resume a normal life. Iran's judiciary news agency attributed Abedini's arrest to a misunderstanding, which was subsequently resolved by various Iranian ministries.
Following his release, Abedini returned to Iran, as confirmed by the country's Foreign Ministry. The circumstances surrounding Abedini's arrest coincided with the detention of an Italian journalist in Tehran, who was later released. Speculation arose regarding a potential connection between the two cases, particularly after the Italian Prime Minister's visit to the US.
Italy's Justice Ministry clarified that the charges against Abedini did not align with the Italian criminal system, leading to his release. The US Justice Department had implicated Abedini in a drone attack on a US outpost in Jordan, resulting in casualties among US troops.
This incident marked the first time US soldiers were killed by enemy fire in the Middle East since a conflict involving Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Abedini's release signifies the resolution of a complex international legal situation, allowing him to return to his home country.
