American Citizen Detained in Iran Has 'Cancer Illness'

The mother of Michael White, an American citizen imprisoned in Iran, states that her son's cancer has relapsed, and she is therefore calling for his release. Jonathan Frank, representative of Joan White, stated in a statement on Friday that based on documents provided by Michael's Iranian cellmates in Mashhad prison, Mrs. White believes that the cancer is threatening her son's life. The statement reads: 'She [Joan White] respectfully asks the Iranian government to release Michael White so that he can receive the necessary care from his mother. In the meantime, it is essential that the Iranian government, in light of its international obligations, grant Michael regular and free access to the consulate and contact with his family.' Michael White, a former U.S. Navy member, has been imprisoned in Iran since August and is considered the first American citizen to face such an issue during Donald Trump's presidency. His family claims he traveled to Iran to visit his girlfriend when he was detained. Mr. White's arrest was not publicly known until last month, and the reason for it remains unclear. Meanwhile, the prosecutor in Mashhad stated on Friday that Michael White has a 'private complainant.' He then emphasized that 'this case is under investigation and will be announced once the results are complete.' Mike Pompeo, the U.S. Secretary of State, reacted to the news of Michael White's arrest by labeling the Iranian rulers among the 'worst terrorists in the world' and stated that Iranian leaders 'show the slightest respect for human rights, and for this reason, the current U.S. government has adopted a tough approach against this regime.'