The wife of freed pastor Saeed Abedini has revealed that she is still not reconciled with her husband because she claims he is "not willing" to get counselling for abuse issues.
In a Facebook post titled "IMPORTANT UPDATE", Naghmeh Abedini wrote: "Dearest friends and prayer warriors, Many of you have been concerned about and have asked about updates on Saeed and our situation. At this point Saeed has not been willing to join me in getting counseling on the abuse which has been a big part of our life together. Once the abuse has been addressed, then that will open the way for us to get marriage counseling on the more common marrital issues."
Pastor Abedini, who was detained in Iran in 2012, was freed earlier this year.
His wife had campaigned tirelessly for his release, and spoke before Congress, to the UN and even met President President Barack Obama. It was after he was finally released in January that she revealed she had filed a domestic relations case.
Naghmeh, pictured above in her parents' home in West Boise, Idaho, said on Facebook: "I hope that Saeed can address the abuse as soon as possible so that our family can move towards reconciliation and healing. With birthdays and holidays coming up and for the sake of our children, no one longs for reconciliation for our family more than me.
"I have loved Saeed more than I have ever loved any human being in my life and it has been hard to stand and keep the boundaries and ask for the abuse to be addressed. This is the most loving thing I can do for my husband and children at this time. My love and passion in fighting for Saeed's freedom has not changed, but it has taken a different form on my knees."
Pleading for prayers for the family, especially their son whose birthday is soon, she said: "Many of you understand the battle we often face for our loved ones for spiritual chains. The battle is hard and emotional. By Grace of God I did not give up fighting for my husband's physical chains and by God's Grace I am not going to give up in praying and petitioning God for the long waited family reunion.
"Once steps are taken by Saeed in addressing the abuse and our family starts moving towards reconciliation and healing, I would be the first to announce it and give shouts of praise and thanksgiving. But until then I would appreciate your prayers for continued Grace and strength."
Since his release, Abedini has been assiduous in thanking all politicians and religious leaders for their campaigning on his behalf.
His wife has also said: "I sincerely had hoped that this horrible situation Saeed has had to go through would bring about the spiritual change needed in both of us to bring healing to our marriage.
"Tragically, the opposite has occurred. Three months ago Saeed told me things he demanded I must do to promote him in the eyes of the public that I simply could not do any longer. He threatened that if I did not the results would be the end of our marriage and the resulting pain this would bring to our children."
Abedini has in the past countered her claims.
"Much of what I have read in Naghmeh's posts and subsequent media reports is not true. But I believe we should work on our relationship in private and not on social media or other media."
He also described her as his "hero" for being a single parent to their children and for her campaign to see him released.
