Iranian Man Wanted in US Released By Italy

Italy’s recent release of Mohammad Abedini back to Iran raises questions as the U.S. sought his extradition for alleged involvement in a deadly drone strike.

At a Glance

Italy has released Mohammad Abedini, who is wanted by the U.S. for a drone strike killing three Americans.
Abedini returned to Iran; an Italian court revoked his arrest.
The U.S. charged him with exporting drone technology to Iran, violating U.S. sanctions.
Italy’s justice ministry cited a lack of dual criminality for extradition.

Legal Context

Last month, Italy arrested Mohammad Abedini, an Iranian citizen wanted by the United States for allegedly supplying drone technology for a 2024 strike in Jordan that killed three Americans. However, despite that he was expected to appear in court in Milan this week pending his extradition to the U.S., Italy has released him.

Despite U.S. extradition requests, Italian authorities sent Abedini home, citing a lack of dual criminality—only crimes punishable under both Italian and American law can warrant extradition.

The U.S. Department of Justice had charged Abedini, alongside Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi, with conspiring to export sensitive technology to Iran. While Abedini’s release succeeded, Sadeghi remains in U.S. custody, serving as a pivotal figure in sanction violations.

The release of Abedini came just days following the release of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala by Iran. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described “diplomatic triangulation” involving the U.S., spearheading negotiations for Sala’s freedom. Reports have suggested that Sala may have been used as a bargaining chip for Iran to secure Abedini’s release, although there has been no confirmation of this.

Italy releases Iranian man wanted by US over drone attack in Jordan. https://t.co/yh3HEtAzUz

— NationalSecurityNews (@NSNWorldwide) January 13, 2025

Questions and Further Implications

The Italian justice ministry stated that “only crimes that are punishable according to the laws of both sides can lead to extradition.” This justification narrowed the possibility for Abedini’s transfer to the U.S., thus stalling U.S. judicial aspirations in international cooperation.

Italy’s decision to release Abedini exemplifies the nuances and challenges in international law and diplomacy. Whether Italy’s actions will impact future negotiations and cross-border justice enforcement remains a critical watchpoint for global security and legal frameworks.