US and Iran release prisoners under deal

US and Iran release prisoners under deal due to that the two sides freed Xiyue Wang and Massoud Soleimani, respectively.

Surprisingly, the prisoner swap took place amid heightened tensions between the two countries.

US and Iran release prisoners

Iran announced the release of Iranian scientist Massoud Soleimani from the United States shortly before the US announced American researcher Xiyue Wang was returning home.

Foreign Minister Javad Zarif

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted: “Glad that Professor Massoud Soleimani and Mr. Xiyue Wang will be joining their families shortly.”

According to tweet: he thanked all those engaged, particularly the Swiss government. The latter look after US interests in Iran in the absence of diplomatic ties.

Iranian in Switzerland

Meanwhile, IRNA reported Soleimani freed after one year of illegal detention. It said that US authorities handed over him to Iranian officials in Switzerland.

On the other hand, US President Donald Trump also issued a statement in Washington. It said that Xiyue Wang is returning to the United States after more than three years of being held prisoner in Iran.

However, Javad Zarif last tweet had it: returning home.

US Iran ties

Due to a history of US meddling into Iran affairs, Iranians distrust US administration.

Specially, Iranians remember Ajex Operation.

US-Iran diplomatic relations had been broken off after Islamic Revolution. Particularly, US complains against the protesters Nov.4 1979 embassy take over in Tehran.