Iran Confirms Receipt of All Necessary Assurances from US for Prisoner Exchange

14 August 2023

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani  has stated that the United States has furnished Iran with all requisite assurances for the prisoner exchange and the release of Iran's assets.

 

"The Iranian government and its diplomatic efforts will endeavor to utilize the available opportunities to safeguard the rights of the nation and its citizens. The Islamic republic's assets have been unlawfully frozen due to US pressure, and certain Iranian individuals have been apprehended on unjustified grounds. Both of these matters were discussed in the cabinet meeting," -  highlighted Kanani. - "The process of exchanging prisoners, along with the release of financial resources belonging to the Iranian government and its people, will proceed through mutual understanding and within the stipulated framework. Iran has received all requisite assurances for the execution of these agreements."

 

On August 10, The New York Times reported that an agreement had been reached between the United States and Iran regarding a prisoner exchange. On the same day, the White House acknowledged the agreement but emphasized the need to await the safe return of American citizens from the Islamic Republic before formally confirming the deal's completion. Under this arrangement, the Islamic Republic will regain access to $6 billion that had been frozen in South Korean bank accounts due to US sanctions. It is anticipated that Iranian assets will be unfrozen and transferred to Qatar.

 

Following its withdrawal from the nuclear deal, the US imposed sanctions on Tehran, effectively prohibiting eight major importers of Iranian oil, including South Korea, from procuring energy resources from Iran. Iranian authorities subsequently indicated that Seoul had frozen around $7 billion, which Tehran was owed for prior oil shipments. This freeze occurred at the request of the US Treasury Department. Although South Korea held the funds designated for oil payments in its banks, they were unable to be transferred to Iran due to the US sanctions framework.

 

 

GSV "Russia - Islamic World"

Photo: Frank Furness/Pixabay

Based on materials from TASS