Prisoner swap between US and Iran – Biden thanks Swiss help So far no violation of the burqa ban in the canton of St. Gallen

Iran has released five US citizens as part of a prisoner swap. They were aboard a plane en route from Tehran to Qatar, a senior US government official said on Monday. Two relatives of those previously detained in Iran and subject to a travel ban by Iran were also on board the plane.

In return, the US will pardon five Iranians convicted or charged of “non-violent crimes.” Iran will also have access to about $6 billion (about €5.6 billion) from its own assets – the money was frozen in South Korea due to international sanctions.

The prisoner exchange had been prepared for months. Oman, Qatar, South Korea and Switzerland in particular helped with the negotiations. US President Joe Biden said these four countries had worked “tirelessly” on the agreement.

“Five innocent Americans held captive in Iran are finally returning home” and “will soon be reunited with their loved ones after years of fear, uncertainty and suffering,” the US president said.

The Democrat expressed his gratitude to the Emir of Qatar and the Sultan of Oman, “both of whom helped negotiate this agreement.”

“Reuniting Americans illegally detained abroad with their families has been a priority of my administration since day one,” wrote Biden, who says he has repatriated “dozens of our fellow Americans.”

(sda/dpa)