16 May 2024
Wednesday 23 August 2023 - 17:08
Story Code : 407555

Washington says Iran-US prisoners swap remains on track

The Iran Project - White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated on Tuesday that the United States remains confident that an agreement with Iran regarding the release of five US citizens is still on track.

Sullivan told reporters during a conference call, "We believe that things are proceeding according to the understanding that we've reached with Iran. I don't have an exact timetable for you because there are steps that need to yet unfold. But we believe that that remains on track,' according to Reuters.

Iran's foreign ministry confirmed reports of a prisoner swap deal between Tehran and Washington on August 10, which included the release of Iranian funds frozen abroad.

The statement from the ministry emphasized that Iran has received the necessary guarantee of the US commitment to fulfill its obligations in this regard, with the transfer of funds being a priority.

The deal involves the exchange of five prisoners from each country, but the exchange will only occur once the money is deposited into Iranian accounts.

The US claims that the five Iranians to be released were imprisoned for attempting to evade US sanctions, while the five Americans in Iran were detained for espionage.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised Iran's decision to move the detained Americans from prison to house arrest as a positive step last week, but he emphasized that they are not yet home.

Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani stated on Monday that no specific timeline has been set for completing the exchange, but it is expected to take a maximum of two months.

Qatar's Advisor to the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari, highlighted Qatar's significant efforts in facilitating a reconciliation between Iran and the US and securing a prisoner swap deal.

Al-Ansari explained that Qatar played a major role in achieving consensus between the two sides and continues its efforts in various areas, expressing hope that this deal will lead to a better understanding regarding the Iranian nuclear issue, which Qatar considers crucial for regional security.
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