Tehran, Jan 17: In a diplomatic breakthrough as implementation of a landmark nuclear deal appeared imminent, Iran released four detained Americans in exchange for seven Iranians held or charged in the United States. A fifth American detained in Iran, a student, was released in a move unrelated to the swap, US officials said.
Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian, former US marine Amir Hekmati, pastor Saeed Abedini and Nosratollah Khosravi-Roodsari, whose name had not been previously made public, were to be flown from Iran to Switzerland aboard a Swiss aircraft and then transported to a US military hospital in Landstuhl, Germany, for medical treatment, US officials said.
Rezaian’s wife and mother were expected to be on the plane.
The student, identified as Matthew Trevithick, was released independently of the exchange on Saturday and already was on his way home, US officials said. They spoke about the prisoner exchange on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss it publicly.
In return, the US agreed to pardon or drop charges against seven Iranians – six of whom are dual US-Iranian citizens – accused or convicted of violating US sanctions.
Three were serving prison terms and now have received a commutation or pardon. Three others were awaiting trial; the last one made a plea agreement.
It’s unclear if these individuals will leave the US for Iran. They are free to stay in the United States.
In addition, the US will drop Interpol “red notices” – essentially arrest warrants – on 14 Iranian fugitives it has sought, the officials said.
The announcement of the exchange came as the International Atomic Energy Agency was close to certifying that Iran had met all commitments under the nuclear deal with six world powers.
