The United States has called on Iran to immediately release imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi amid growing concerns over her deteriorating health in custody.
Mohammadi, a prominent Iranian human rights activist, is reportedly at risk after suffering two suspected heart attacks in recent weeks, according to supporters and advocacy groups monitoring her condition.
Reacting to the reports on Thursday, Riley Barnes, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights, urged Iranian authorities to free the activist and ensure she receives urgent medical attention.
“We call on the Iranian regime to release her now and give her the care she needs. The world is watching,” Barnes said in a statement posted on social media.
The 54-year-old activist has spent much of the last two decades in and out of prison because of her campaign against alleged human rights abuses and restrictions imposed by Iran’s clerical establishment.
Mohammadi was re-arrested in December after publicly criticising the Iranian government during the funeral of a lawyer, according to reports from her supporters.
She has also openly condemned the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, arguing that military confrontations primarily harm ordinary citizens while strengthening hardline political structures.
The renewed US appeal comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran following military actions launched by the United States and Israel against Iran earlier this year.
Although the administration of President Donald Trump has generally avoided extensive criticism of allied governments over human rights concerns, it has continued to raise issues involving countries considered adversaries, including Iran.
Mohammadi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her advocacy for women’s rights, democracy, and freedom in Iran. Human rights organisations have repeatedly called for her release, warning that her continued detention poses a serious threat to her life.
