In a significant development, the United States revealed on Thursday that five American citizens, who had been unjustly detained in Iran, have been freed from prison and placed under house arrest.
While expressing cautious optimism, National Security Council Spokeswoman Adrienne Watson stated, “This marks an encouraging step; however, the detention of these US citizens – Siamak Namazi, Morad Tahbaz, Emad Shargi, and two other unnamed Americans who currently wish to remain anonymous – should never have occurred in the first place.”
“We will closely monitor their well-being, and our determination to ensure their safe return to the United States remains unwavering,” Watson affirmed.
Iran’s diplomatic mission at the United Nations confirmed the transfer of these American detainees from Tehran’s Evin prison, a development reported by the state media.
Iran’s official IRNA news agency reported, “The Islamic Republic of Iran’s mission at the United Nations confirmed the news of the release of dual-citizen prisoners from Tehran’s Evin Prison.” The release was facilitated through a third-party mediation, with both sides agreeing to grant amnesty and release five prisoners each.
Reports also suggest a broader diplomatic gesture, with the United States purportedly planning to unfreeze approximately $6 billion in Iranian assets held in South Korea. Additionally, discussions around the potential release of other incarcerated Iranians in the United States have emerged.
