The United States has not filed an official request for the extradition of Iranian businessman Mohammed Abedini, who was detained in Milan, Italian Justice Minister Carlo Nordio said, quoted by "Reuters" and News.bg.
"The issue with Abedini is purely legal and has no relation to the release of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala. It is premature to talk about extradition, as no official request has been submitted to our ministry yet," Nordio noted.
Abedini is wanted by the United States on suspicion of participating in a drone attack against American forces in Jordan. Iran has denied the charges and said last week that Abedini's detention was tantamount to taking a hostage.
His arrest is linked to the subsequent detention of Italian reporter Cecilia Sala, who was arrested in Tehran on December 19 while working on a regular journalist visa but was released on January 8 and returned to her homeland.