In a historic diplomatic breakthrough, the United States and Iran have reached a comprehensive agreement that includes the release of five Iranian-American citizens detained in Iran. The much-anticipated release is set to take place on Monday, following extensive negotiations between the two nations. This significant development comes as both countries grapple with longstanding disagreements, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
Reuters reported that a Qatari aircraft stood ready in Iran, poised to transport the American detainees in exchange for the release of five Iranians held in the United States. The entire exchange was made possible through a mediation effort led by Qatar and has also resulted in the unfreezing of a substantial $6 billion in Iranian funds.
Sources with knowledge of the matter confirmed that both Iran and the United States have been informed of the successful transfer of the funds to Qatar. This pivotal moment marks the culmination of months of talks between these longtime adversaries, who have been at odds over a range of issues, with Iran’s nuclear ambitions at the forefront.
The United States has consistently maintained that all five detainees held in Iran are being unlawfully detained, and their release has been a top priority for American officials.
During a press conference aired on Press TV, Nasser Kanaani, the spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed hope that the detainees’ release would be successfully executed, along with the other components of the agreement.
Under the terms of the US-Iran agreement, the $6 billion in Iranian funds, previously held in restricted South Korean accounts, will be transferred to banks in Qatar. Additionally, a source familiar with the situation revealed that Qatar has officially informed Iranian and US officials of the funds’ successful transfer from Switzerland to Qatari bank accounts, as reported by CNN. These funds had originated from authorized oil sales and were placed in accounts established during the Trump administration.
In the meantime, representatives of the Biden administration have underscored that the funds transferred to Qatari accounts will be exclusively earmarked for humanitarian purposes. Each financial transaction will be closely monitored by the US Treasury Department to ensure compliance with this requirement.
As part of the agreement, Qatar has taken on the responsibility of overseeing how Iran utilizes the unfrozen funds. This oversight aims to ensure that the money is strictly allocated for humanitarian goods, such as food and medicine, and does not go toward any items subject to US sanctions.
The transfer of Iranian funds has not been without controversy, with some US Republicans criticizing President Biden, claiming that he is effectively paying a ransom for the release of American citizens. However, the White House has defended the agreement, emphasizing its commitment to securing the release of its citizens.
The five Iranian-American dual citizens set to be released include Siamak Namazi, 51, and Emad Sharqi, 59, both of whom are businessmen, as well as Morad Tahbaz, 67, an environmentalist who also holds British nationality. They were recently released from prison and placed under house arrest. Another American citizen has also been placed under house arrest, while the identity of the fifth individual remains undisclosed.
Iranian authorities have identified the five Iranians to be released by the United States as Mehrdad Moin-Ansari, Kambiz Attar-Kashani, Reza Sarhangpour-Kafrani, Amin Hassanzadeh, and Kaveh Afrasiabi. It has been previously stated by two Iranian officials that Kaveh Afrasiabi will remain in the United States, although details regarding the others have not been provided.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have been simmering since former President Donald Trump, a Republican, withdrew the United States from the Iran nuclear deal with global powers in 2018. Subsequent efforts to reach a new nuclear agreement have made slow progress, with President Joe Biden now gearing up for the 2024 U.S. election.
As the first step in this groundbreaking agreement, the United States waived sanctions to facilitate the transfer of $6 billion in Iranian funds from South Korea to Qatar. These funds had been frozen in South Korea, a significant buyer of Iranian oil, due to comprehensive financial sanctions imposed by the United States on Iran. This development marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran and holds the promise of improved relations between the two nations.
