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Explore interviews, articles and coverage of Morad’s work as an advocate, artist and author.

Book Launch

Green Parrots: A Memoir of Survival in Iran's Evin Prison

Morad Tahbaz's highly anticipated memoir recounts his nearly six-year wrongful imprisonment in Iran. The book details his survival in solitary confinement, the quiet strength found in wildlife art, and the complex journey of resilience.

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Green Parrots Book Cover

Inspiration & Friendship

Correspondence with Jane Goodall

During his time in Evin Prison, Morad secretly corresponded with Dr. Jane Goodall via handwritten letters. Her notes provided hope and inspiration. Following his return home, Morad was finally able to meet and spend an afternoon with her in September 2024.

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Jane Goodall and Morad Tahbaz

Art Exhibition

The MET Acquires the Defiant Lion

Defiant Persian Lion is a mahogany wood sculpture carved by Morad Tahbaz during his detainment in Iran's Evin prison. Shaped as innocent-looking parts to bypass guards, it was assembled into a lion once smuggled free, representing wildlife habitat destruction. It was acquired by The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2025.

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Defiant Lion Sculpture

Media Coverage

BBC World Service Interview

In an exclusive interview with the BBC World Service, Morad Tahbaz shares his experience as a prisoner in Iran, reflecting on his environment conservation efforts, his time in confinement, and what it means to rebuild his life in freedom.

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Morad Tahbaz in Iran

ECAD – 2026

Morad Tahbaz is presented with and accepts an award

At the Explorers Club Annual Dinner (ECAD) in 2026, Morad Tahbaz was presented with and accepted the Presidential Award for Courage in Conservation, celebrating his lifelong commitment to wildlife preservation and resilience.

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After Detainment

Green Parrots: A Memoir of Survival in Iran's Evin Prison with Morad Tahbaz

Stanford University – 2026

Green Parrots: A Conversation with Morad Tahbaz

The Explorers Club – 2026

CNN Interview

Morad Tahbaz on the plight of environmentalists jailed in Iran

CNN – 2026

Freed American reveals brutal Iran prison ordeal, warns hostages face greater danger

Fox News – 2026

Former Iran prisoner reflects on freedom after American's release

ABC News – 2026

Morad Tahbaz shares his experience as a prisoner in Iran.

Explorer's Club Award Symposium – 2026

Morad Tahbaz is presented with and accepts an award.

ECAD – 2026

Freed from Iranian captivity, three Americans send warning to fellow citizens

CNN – 2025

Over 115 Days in Jails for No Reason

Convention on Biological Diversity – 2025

Innocents Held Hostage

A Nate Colman Documentary – 2024

How art saved Morad Tahbaz from the brutality of Iran’s Evin Prison

The National – 2024

Global Exploration Summit (GLEX) 2024

Global Exploration Summit (GLEX) 2024 – 2024

A Night at The Explorers Club with Richard Wiese

The Westport Library – 2024

Jim Himes on CNN

Jim Himes on Prisoner Swap

CNN – 2024

cheetah drawing

The Harrowing Tale Of Environmental Activists Accused Of Spying In Iran

Forbes – 2024

During Detainment

Americans Detained for Years in Iran Arrive in US After Their Release

Voice of America – 2023

return of Siamak Namazi

'An extraordinary miracle': Lawyer for Siamak Namazi reacts to his release from Iran

CNN – 2023

Americans released from prison in Iran

Americans released from prison in Iran: How we got here

CNN – 2023

5 detained Americans to be freed Monday

ABC News – 2023

Tarah Tahbaz speaking on the news

Tara Tahbaz Discusses the White House's Response to the Release of Morad

Kayhan Life | TikTok – 2023

Tara Tahbaz Discusses US Political Will to Release Her Father

Reuters – 2023

Tara Tahbaz on CNN

Daughter of American detained in Iran: We want to meet Biden

CNN – 2023

GMA Interview

Family members of detained Americans in Iran speak out

ABC News – 2023

State Dept Statement

Release of U.S. Citizens from Iranian prison to house arrest

US Department of State – 2023

Families remain ‘cautiously optimistic’ about return of American citizens

MSNBC – 2023

Families of Americans detained in Iran criticize White House

PBS – 2023

Tarah Tahbaz on TikTok

Bring Our Families Home

TikTok | Bring Our Families Home – 2023

Morad Tahbaz: Detained in Iran for 5 Years

Bring Our Families Home Campaign – 2023

Daughter Of American Detained In Iran: It's Biden's 'Duty' To Bring American Hostages Home

MSNBC – 2022

Roxanne Tahbaz Calls for Morad's Release

Amnesty International UK – 2022

Beth Rigby Interviews... Roxanne Tahbaz

Sky News – 2022

British Foreign Secretary Challenged on Morad's Release

Good Morning Britain – 2022

Roxanna Tahbaz interview

Morad Tahbaz Daughter: 'We're truly devastated'

Sky News Facebook – 2022

Roxanna Tahbaz protesting

Roxanne Tahbaz holds a protest outside the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London

Radio News Hub – 2022

Morad Tahbaz's daughter strongly criticised Government for failing to secure father's release

London Live – 2022

Morad Tahbaz’s daughter Roxanne tells Boris Johnson to ‘bring her dad home’

Evening Standard – 2022

Special Representative hook statement

Special Representative Brian Hook: We Call for the Release of Morad Tahbaz

US Department of State Facebook – 2020

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