UK Foreign Office Denies Nazanin Zaghari Deal in Exchange for Debt Payment
A UK Foreign Office official denied reports of an agreement with Iranian authorities regarding the release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe. Both countries have consistently claimed that the issue of Britain’s debt payment to Iran has no connection to Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s case.
Reuters news agency, citing a UK Foreign Office official, has denied reports circulating about an agreement between Britain and Iranian authorities over the release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe.
Both Iran and Britain have repeatedly emphasized that the issue of Britain’s debt payment to Iran has no connection to Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s case.
Al-Mayadeen news network and Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB had reported an agreement between Iran and Britain regarding the release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe in exchange for Britain accepting a debt payment to Iran.
The debt issue concerns Britain’s financial obligation related to the non-delivery of Chieftain tanks to Iran. Britain has now stated that payment of this debt in exchange for Ms. Zaghari’s release is inaccurate.
Al-Mayadeen news network reported on Sunday, May 2 (Ordibehesht 12), in another report, about a prisoner exchange between the United States and Iran. This report was denied by Ned Price, spokesperson for the US State Department.
Al-Mayadeen had reported the release of part of Iran’s frozen financial assets by the United States. A report that the United States has denied.
Source: DW
