While a report Saturday did not identify the prisoners, a source close to Iran’s judiciary is confirming to The Associated Press that jailed Washington Post bureau chief Jason Rezaian is one of four dual-national prisoners freed today by Iran’s government.
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A report by the semi-official ISNA news agency quoted a statement from the Tehran prosecutor’s office as saying the inmates were freed “within the framework of exchanging prisoners”.
In exchange, the US will pardon or drop charges against seven Iranians accused or convicted of violating USA sanctions.
After Iran’s announcement, the USA also confirmed that the release of the American prisoners was achieved “through a diplomatic channel”.
Republicans on Capitol Hill and the campaign trail expressed optimism and happiness Saturday about Iran releasing five US citizens, but continued raising concerns about the nuclear deal with Tehran that is expected to be completed this weekend, which could be connected to the accord. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed on Saturday that Iran has completed the necessary preparatory steps to start the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and Kerry said the USA will immediately lift nuclear-related sanctions. Supporters say he has been denied proper legal representation.
A fifth American, Matthew Trevithick, is being released by Iran, but his release is not part of the negotiated prison swap, US officials said Saturday.
For Rouhani, it marks a crowning achievement for the moderate cleric who was elected in 2013 on the promise to bring Iran out of isolation. His death sentence was later overturned, reportedly getting a 10-year jail sentence instead. Hekmati went to Iran to visit family and spend time with his ailing grandmother.
Iran’s refusal to release American citizens was a major sticking point for GOP presidential hopefuls, but even the news of their release didn’t please everyone.
He was setting up an orphanage in the country in 2012 when Iranian authorities detained him.
Sen. Rand Paul was among those praising the release of Abedni, who was arrested trying to set up home churches in Iran. He suffered injuries to his face, The American Center for Law and Justice reported, and was reportedly in poor health. United States officials said none were wanted for violence or terrorism.
“If we had a president who was respected around the world, we wouldn’t have these folks taken in the first place”, Christie said.
Abedini’s wife, Naghmeh Abedini, said in the statement that the release was “an answer to prayer”.
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The landmark Iran nuclear agreement, struck July 14 after decades of hostility, defused the likelihood of US or Israeli military action against Iran, something Zarif alluded to.
