President Obama calls for release of Pastor Saeed Abedini from Iranian prison

President Obama asked Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani to have American Pastor Saeed Abedini released from prison, according to the American Center for Law and Justice.

Naghmeh Abedini and her husband Pastor Saeed Abedini

The President talked by phone with the new Iranian president Friday afternoon, marking the first conversation between leaders of the two nations in more than three decades.

Fox News network confirmed the request with the Obama administration. The source within the administration reportedly told Fox News that Obama mentioned Pastor Saeed and two other Americans.

The ACLJ says this a significant and encouraging step forward in this critical case.

Abedini’s wife Nagmeh says she is hopeful. “This is the most encouraging news I have heard since Saeed was imprisoned one year ago. I am very grateful to President Obama for standing up for Saeed and for the other Americans who are held captive in Iran,” she said.

“This development is truly an answer to prayer. I urge President Rouhani, as I have done throughout this week, to release Saeed so he can return to our home and our family in the United States. In recent days, Iran has released 80 prisoners being held because of their beliefs. I pray we can add Saeed to that list very soon.”

The ACLJ has represented Abedini and his family in their struggle since the early days of his imprisonment.

Abedini has been imprisoned in Evin Prison in Iran, considered one of the toughest facilities for more than a year for his faith in Christ.

Prayer vigils were held Thursday around the world for Pastor Saeed, who has been tortured for not denying his faith.

The Global Dispatch has conducted two different interviews with Naghmeh:

August radio interview

June interview