The mother of an American pastor imprisoned in Iran because he’s a Christian has fled for the United States because of threats to her life.

“Facing threats in Iran, Saeed’s mom is now safely out of the country,” Naghmeh Abedini, the pastor’s wife, told FoxNews.com. “We look forward to seeing her soon here in the United States. It has been a difficult time for all of us — including Saeed’s mom.  She did not want to leave Iran. She did not want to say goodbye to her son.”

Abedini’s mother has not been released because of security reasons.  She is still in the nation and is in an unnamed country awaiting her travel to the continental U.S.  She revealed that Iranian officials have banned her from visiting her son at Rajai Shahr prison.

The ACLJ says that Saeed is continuing to be beaten for his faith and is in need of medical attention.

“We remain concerned about the health and safety of pastor Saeed, who continues to be held in an Iranian prison because of his faith,” said Jordan Sekulow, executive director of the ACLJ.  “We know that he needs medical care for injuries received during his captivity. It is an increasingly frustrating time for pastor Saeed and his family, both in this country and in Iran.”