Iran releases US dual nationals into house arrest, lawyer says

Iran has recently released five US-Iranian dual nationals who have been placed under house arrest, according to statements from US officials.

Siamak Namazi, Emad Shargi, and Morad Tahbaz, who also holds a British passport, were among those released. A fourth unidentified individual was also released alongside them, as reported by a lawyer representing one of the individuals. Additionally, a fifth American had already been released, confirmed by a US national security official.

Negotiations between Iran and the US had taken place to facilitate the release of these individuals. Adrienne Watson, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, commented that while this development is positive, these US citizens should not have been detained initially. The spokesperson emphasized that efforts will continue until all of them are safely back in the United States.

Iran’s mission to the United Nations has verified the release of these dual nationals from Tehran’s Evin prison, as reported by state media. The release was achieved through mediation by a third country. As part of the arrangement, frozen funds in South Korea will be unblocked and transferred to Qatar, according to IRNA, the state news agency.

Reportedly, the frozen Iranian funds in South Korea amount to approximately $6 billion. One of the individuals released, Siamak Namazi, had been initially arrested in 2015 and sentenced to 10 years in prison on security charges. Emad Shargi, aged 58, was detained in April 2018. Morad Tahbaz, a 67-year-old businessman and wildlife conservationist, was arrested in January 2018.

Over the past few years, Iran has detained and imprisoned several dual nationals on charges related to national security. Two of the five released individuals have expressed a wish to remain anonymous, according to State Department spokesman Matthew Miller. He further noted that the US is maintaining communication with the families of these individuals and closely monitoring their well-being.

Efforts to secure their release have been ongoing for years, with negotiations involving potential prisoner swaps and the easing of US sanctions against Iran. While the released individuals are expected to leave Iran, sources close to the talks suggest that this process might still take several weeks. Reports have also indicated the possibility of Iranian prisoners in US custody being freed as part of the deal, although the exact details offered by the White House to secure the release have not been confirmed.