Iran and the United States each released five prisoners on Monday following mediation by Qatar. In addition, the U.S. has released 6 billion dollars in frozen Iranian assets.
Five Americans are being transferred from Iran to the Qatari capital, Doha, from where they can return to the United States. In exchange, the Americans have released five Iranians.
Iran has released two American-Iranian businessmen and an environmental activist. The identities of the fourth and fifth prisoners have not been disclosed. Two family members of the prisoners are also flying out of Iran to Doha before heading to the United States.
Of the prisoners released by the U.S., two have departed for Iran and have since arrived in Doha. Two of them will remain in the U.S., and a fifth will join their family in another country.
The prisoner exchange was agreed upon after months of mediation by Qatar. The country is also monitoring how the released funds will be used. Iran is required to spend the money on goods that do not fall under international sanctions, such as medication or food.
The agreements have been controversial, with Republican opposition claiming that President Joe Biden is paying ransom for American citizens. However, the White House defends the deal.
About the author: Matthew Johnson
Matthew Johnson, a small tech business owner retired and found his passion in journalism.
