Four freed Iranian-Americans heading to Switzerland

“We offered clemency to seven Iranians six of whom are dual U.S.-Iranian citizens who had been convicted or are pending trial in the United States” the U.S. State Department said in a statement.

Above all, the editors said, Rezaian “wanted to express his deep appreciation for the strong and unwavering support from everyone at The Post”. There were no additional details. “We don’t make that judgment”.

The Post reported that the flight out of Iran was delayed because Rezaian’s mother Mary and wife Yeganeh, who also were on the airplane, initially did not appear on the flight manifest.

Rumors have circulated for months that some USA citizens being held in Iran could be released as part of a prisoner exchange for Iranians held in US jails on various charges relating to violating sanctions against the country.

The Florida senator also asserted that the Iranian capture of 10 USA sailors – and subsequent release – was an effort to show how powerful Iran was compared to the U.S.

State television announced four prisoners were released but did not reveal their identities, according to the Associated Press.

Under the terms of the deal, Iran agreed to limit its nuclear capabilities and submit to IAEA monitoring of its facilities in return for the lifting of economic and financial sanctions. The president praised Abedini for his “unyielding faith”, described Rezaian as a “courageous journalist” and cited Hekmati, who had been held for 4 1/2 years.

It was playing more politics in announcing new, minor sanctions (a slap over Iran’s latest illegal missile tests) once the plane carrying the hostages was safely in the air.

The Swiss foreign ministry said the prisoner swap followed 14 months of confidential discussions in Switzerland.

In addition there are reports that 3 other Americans imprisoned in Iran have also been released.

Two congressmen were headed to Germany to greet Rezaian and Hekmati.

The Post statement thanked those “around the world who have spoken out on Jason s behalf and against the harsh confinement that was so wrongly imposed upon him”.

The Swiss foreign ministry had earlier said that the freed prisoners would be heading to an American base in Germany. They won’t be on US soil for a few days, he said. “I’ve seen their anguish – how they ached for their husbands and sons”, Obama said.

The statement continued: “We are enormously grateful to all who played a role in securing his release. Because it all became real”, the congressman told CNN.

Amir, I can not wait to meet you for the first time, give you a big hug, and welcome you home.

A fifth American was released separately from the exchange.

A sixth American, retired Federal Bureau of Investigation agent Robert Levinson, went missing in southern Iran eight years ago. “You have no idea how hard it is to continue to work and live your daily life knowing that one of your colleagues is sitting in the worst prison in Iran”.

The three Americans arrived at a USA military base in Germany, after a brief stop in Geneva, a U.S. official said. “But once again, Bob Levinson has been left behind”.

Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio roundly criticized President Barack Obama and his administration Sunday after the announcement that four Americans in Iran would be released in a prisoner swap. It ranged from exporting electronic components, satellite services, marine navigation and military equipment to Iran.

The 2015 indictment charged the Iranian men with shipping large quantities of unauthorized electronics and USA technology to Iran. The other one was a pastor.

The official IRNA news agency named the seven freed Iranians as Nader Modanlou, Bahram Mekanik, Khosrow Afqahi, Arash Qahreman, Touraj Faridi, Nima Golestaneh and Ali Sabouni.