Concurrent with Vienna Talks Continuation, Iran Claims It Is Ready to Exchange Prisoners with America

Iran reiterated its request for a prisoner exchange with the United States. According to Reuters news agency on Tuesday, April 27, this request comes as Iran and the United States, along with the remaining signatories to the JCPOA, are engaged in talks about a possible return to the 2015 nuclear agreement.

Ali Rabiei, Iran’s government spokesman, stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran is seeking the release of individuals imprisoned in America for violating sanctions. He told reporters at a press conference that details of this matter would be announced after the conclusion of negotiations.

According to Reuters, Mr. Rabiei did not provide details of any possible prisoner exchange that might take place, but said that there are more Iranians in American prisons than Americans in Iranian prisons.

The Islamic Republic of Iran, which holds a number of Iranian-Americans in detention, has been repeatedly accused by human rights activists of detaining dual nationals in order to gain leverage with other countries. On the other hand, officials of the Islamic Republic have repeatedly argued during their foreign trips that the government and judiciary in Iran’s political system are separate from each other and the government has no authority in this matter. It remains unclear how, despite this, the spokesman for Hassan Rouhani’s government announces readiness for a prisoner exchange.

Source: Voice of America