Iran, US Swap Prisoners In Landmark Deal

Tehran, 8 Rabiul Akhir 1437/18 January 2016 (MINA) – Iran has released Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian and three other Iranian-American citizens under a prisoner swap deal with the US, Iranian state media and American authorities said Saturday.

The Iranian Fars News Agency quoted the Tehran’s prosecutor as saying that four Iranian-American nationals were freed as world leaders arrived in Vienna to officially mark the end of international sanctions on Iran in exchange for restrictions on the country’s nuclear program.

“Based on an approval of the Supreme National Security Council [SNSC] and the overall interests of the Islamic Republic, four Iranian prisoners with dual-nationality were freed today within the framework of a prisoner swap deal,” Fars said. Middle East Monitor (MEMO) quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Those freed include the 39-year-old Iranian-American reporter Jason Rezaian, Saeed Abedini, Amir Hekmati and Nosratollah Khosrawi Roudsari.

After Iran’s announcement, the US also confirmed that the release of the American prisoners was achieved “through a diplomatic channel”.

“We offered clemency to seven Iranians, six of whom are dual US-Iranian citizens, who had been convicted or are pending trial in the United States,” the US State Department said in a statement.

“The United States also removed any Interpol red notices and dismissed any charges against 14 Iranians for whom it was assessed that extradition requests were unlikely to be successful.”

Rezaian was detained in July, 22, 2014, with his wife Yeganeh Salehi and a photojournalist.

According to the Washington Post, Salehi, who is also a journalist, and the photojournalist were released on bail months later.

Later Saturday, the EU and US announced the lifting of nuclear-related sanctions on Iran in Vienna.

The seven Iranian detainees in US were named by Iran’s state news agency as Nader Modanlo, Bahram Mechanic, Khosrow Afghani, Arash Ghahreman, Tooraj Faridi, Nima Golestaneh and Ali Saboun.

They are all accused or convicted of violating US sanctions on Iran. Six have dual US-Iranian nationality.

US Republican presidential hopefuls approached the swap with both applause and scorn for President Barack Obama’s Iran policy.

Frontrunner Donald Trump, who was speaking on Saturday in New Hampshire, said: “I’m happy they’re coming back but I will tell you, it’s a disgrace they’ve been there so long.”

Although he opposed the nuclear deal between Iran and the world powers group since it was signed last year, presidential hopeful Ted Cruz celebrated the release of Abedini on Twitter. “Praise God! Surely bad parts of Obama’s latest deal, but prayers of thanksgiving that Pastor Saeed is coming home,” he said.

Democratic candidates for their party’s presidential were optimistic about the release. “This good news shows that diplomacy can work even in this volatile region of the world,” Bernie Sander said. (T/P002/R07)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)