The United States and Iran are preparing to swap prisoners, with five nationals from each side set to be released this Monday. This step follows the completion of a major transaction that released six billion dollars’ worth of frozen Iranian funds to accounts in Qatar, a move announced by Iranian authorities as a key part of ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanani confirmed that five Iranian citizens detained in the United States will be freed, and five American citizens will be allowed to return to the United States. He added that among the five Iranians, two are expected to repatriate to Iran, two will remain in the United States, and the fifth will travel to a third country as part of the broader diplomatic arrangement.
Regional media outlets report that among the U.S. prisoners slated for transfer are Siamak Namazi, Emad Shargi, Morad Tahbaz, and two additional detainees whose identities have not been disclosed publicly. These individuals are anticipated to be moved to Qatar later in the afternoon as part of the exchange process.
The prisoner exchange is linked to the transfer of six billion dollars in Iranian funds that had been blocked in South Korea. The funds are tied to gas purchases and are routed through a waiver granted by the United States, which enabled the funds to be moved to accounts in Qatar as part of the broader settlement reached in early August between the two governments.
The United States has stated that Iran will not gain direct access to the full funds; instead, the capital will be held for humanitarian purposes and requires careful, restricted use to prevent diversion. This arrangement is designed to address humanitarian considerations while maintaining strict controls on how the money can be utilized, according to U.S. authorities.
Hours before the official announcement of the prisoner release, Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi was in New York to address the United Nations General Assembly. He was expected to participate in a press conference in conjunction with the unfolding exchange, underscoring the high-level political significance attributed to the event by Tehran.
Across diplomatic circles, Tehran has faced criticism for what some call the use of dual nationals and foreign prisoners as leverage in negotiations. Critics and human rights organizations have described such exchanges as hostage diplomacy, arguing that individuals may be subjected to political bargaining. Iran has frequently responded by framing these actions as necessary measures within complex regional and international negotiations, while noting the importance of ensuring the welfare and rights of those involved.