In a rare move, Iran and US swapped two prisoners who have been held captive for years on spying charges, Reuters reported quoting authorities.
“After more than three years of being held prisoner in Iran, Xiyue Wang is returning to the United States. A Princeton University graduate student, Mr. Wang had been held under the pretense of espionage since August 2016,” said US President Donald Trump is a statement.
Both countries have thanked Switzerland, which represent US interests in Tehran in the absence of relationship between the two long-time foes.
Swiss officials have apparently used their diplomatic efforts to make the deal happen.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in a tweet on Saturday: “Glad that Professor Massoud Soleimani and Mr. Xiyue Wang will be joining their families shortly. Many thanks to all engaged, particularly the Swiss government.”
