US and Iran agree to $6 billion prisoner swap.
Iran and the United States Reach Deal to Free Imprisoned Citizens
In a significant development, the United States and Iran have reached a deal to secure the release of five U.S. citizens imprisoned in Iran. According to sources familiar with the agreement, Tehran will receive several jailed Iranians and gain access to approximately $6 billion in Iranian oil revenue in exchange, as reported by the New York Times.
The Imprisoned Citizens
- Siamak Namazi, 51, and Emad Shargi, 58, both businessmen and Iranian-American dual citizens
- Morad Tahbaz, 67, an environmentalist with British nationality
- Two other U.S. citizens whose identities have not been disclosed
Iran has already taken the first step towards their release by moving the prisoners to house arrest, as reported by the New York Times. However, Jared Genser, the lawyer representing Namazi, emphasized that this is just the beginning and there are no guarantees about what happens next.
Easing Tensions and Pursuing a Nuclear Deal
The release of these five individuals would alleviate a major source of tension between the United States and Iran, as the Biden administration seeks to revive a nuclear deal with the Iranian regime. While the White House has not confirmed the specific conditions of the prisoner swap, sources cited by the New York Times reveal that nearly $6 billion in frozen assets in South Korea will be released for Tehran to access.
Earlier this year, there were reports of indirect talks between Washington and Tehran regarding a potential prisoner exchange and the transfer of Iranian funds blocked by U.S. sanctions. If the funds are transferred, they can only be used for humanitarian purposes.
Long Detentions and Families’ Criticisms
Namazi, who has been detained for over seven years on espionage-related charges rejected by the United States, Tahbaz, and Shargi have all faced lengthy imprisonments. The families of these individuals have criticized the Biden administration for its slow action in negotiating their loved ones’ freedom.
“I honestly don’t understand why the president hasn’t called us, why he won’t speak with us,” expressed Hannah Shargi, the daughter of one of the prisoners, in May.
The families have made multiple attempts to communicate with President Biden but have not been successful in their efforts.
Reuters reporting by Arshad Mohammed; Editing by Mark Porter and Lisa Shumaker
Published under: Iran
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