Iran and the United States will each exchange five prisoners this Monday after completing the transfer of Iranian funds blocked in South Korea, the Iranian government said.
The exchange involves the transfer of six billion dollars worth of Iranian funds (5.6 billion euros at current rates) to Qatar.
“Five Iranian citizens detained in the United States will be released, and five American citizens will return to the United States,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani said, as quoted by the Spanish agency EFE.
The diplomat said two Iranian citizens will return to the country, two will remain in the United States and the fifth will travel to a third country.
Two of the five Iranians are Reza Sarhangpour and Kambiz Attar Kashani, accused of “abusing US sanctions” against Iran, the French news agency AFP reported.
According to regional media reports, US prisoners Siamak Namazi, Emad Sharghi, Morad Tahbaz and two unknown persons will be delivered to Qatar in the afternoon.
Businessman Siamak Namazi was sentenced by Tehran to ten years in prison in 2016 for espionage.
Qatar acted as a mediator between Iran and the United States, two countries that do not maintain diplomatic relations.
The prisoner exchange follows the completion of the transfer of Tehran-owned funds blocked by US sanctions, in accordance with an agreement reached between Tehran and Washington in early August.
“We hope that today[esta segunda-feira] confirmation that all released funds have been paid,” Kanani said at a press conference in Tehran, as quoted by AFP.
The US approved a deferment to exempt Seoul from payments for gas purchases from Iran, and the money was transferred to several accounts in Qatar.
Washington said Tehran would not have direct access to the funds, which could only be used for “strictly humanitarian” purposes.
The purchase of humanitarian products is permitted in accordance with American sanctions that affect the Islamic Republic in connection with the development of its nuclear program.
Members of the Iranian government have largely accepted this situation, although some hardliners have insisted, without providing evidence, that there will be no restrictions on how Tehran spends the money.
According to the Associated Press (AP), the prisoner exchange took place as part of a “US military escalation in the Persian Gulf,” with the possibility of boarding American troops and seizing commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of American troops pass. all oil supplies are sent.
Iran has been accused of using dual citizens and foreign prisoners as a means of pressure or exchanging prisoners with other states.
This practice is called “hostage diplomacy” by other countries and human rights organizations.
Following Monday’s transfer, Iran “will no longer block many resources in other countries,” Kanani said.
“We had a certain amount in Japan, but we have already used most of it, and the remaining amount is insignificant,” added the representative of Iranian diplomacy.
According to some experts, the exchange of prisoners reflects the easing of tensions between Tehran and Washington, AFP reports.
However, he does not expect a possible agreement on Iran’s nuclear program after former President Donald Trump denounced a 2018 agreement on the issue.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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