Italy’s justice minister has requested an appeals court to overturn the arrest of an Iranian citizen sought by the US in connection with a drone attack in Jordan that resulted in the deaths of three Americans a year ago. Mohammad Abedini was set to appear at a Milan court to seek house arrest while awaiting extradition to the US. Iranian state TV announced Abedini's imminent return to Iran, citing efforts by Iran’s foreign ministry and discussions between Iranian and Italian intelligence services.
Abedini was apprehended on a US warrant on December 16, just days before Italian journalist Cecilia Sala was detained in Iran. Sala, who was reportedly held as leverage for Abedini’s release, returned to Italy last week, sparking speculation about Abedini's fate. Italy's Justice Ministry stated that the extradition treaties between Italy and the US require that crimes must be punishable under the laws of both countries, a condition not met based on the available documents.
The potential charge against Abedini, related to violating the US International Emergency Economic Powers Act, was deemed not a recognized crime under Italian law. The US Justice Department has accused Abedini of supplying drone technology to Iran for an attack on a US outpost in Jordan that claimed the lives of three American soldiers in January 2024.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni mentioned a diplomatic collaboration involving Iran and the US as crucial in securing Sala’s release, acknowledging US interests in the negotiations for the first time. Sala's freedom followed Meloni's unexpected visit to Florida to meet with US President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate.
