Tehran: Prisoner Exchange with the U.S. Will Be Within the Framework of a 'Understanding'

The spokesperson for the Islamic Republic of Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that the process of 'prisoner exchange' between Tehran and Washington will take place within the framework of a mutual 'understanding' between the two parties. According to Iranian media reports, Nasser Kan'ani acknowledged during a weekly press conference with representatives of various media that the process of 'reciprocal release of prisoners' will be carried out according to the agreement reached. According to this diplomatic official, Tehran has received the 'necessary guarantees' from the American side for the implementation of the agreement's provisions for the release of prisoners. Last week, in an important development 'on the path to freedom,' five American dual nationals imprisoned in the Islamic Republic's prisons were transferred to house arrest 'in a hotel in Tehran,' which seems to be 'a step forward' in the 'hostage exchange agreement' between the United States and Iran. So far, the name of this hotel has not been disclosed by the Islamic Republic, U.S. officials, lawyers, or family members of this group. In the recent development, five Iranian-American dual nationals were moved from Evin Prison to 'house arrest' to be released in the coming days according to the agreement between the two countries. Siamak Namazi, Emad Sharqi, and Morad Tahbaz are three of these five individuals, while the names of the other two remain 'anonymous' at the request of their families. According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the 'fifth dual national,' whose identity has not been revealed, had previously been under house arrest. On the other hand, Nasser Kan'ani, the spokesperson for the Islamic Republic's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated today, August 14, regarding the prisoner exchange that the 'judicial process' concerning the prisoners requested by the U.S. has been fully completed and 'the exchange will take place within the framework of the understanding.' Meanwhile, John Kirby, the coordinator for strategic communications at the White House National Security Council, welcomed the release of the dual nationals from the Islamic Republic's prisons and the 'beginning of their freedom process,' stating to the Persian section of 'Voice of America' that these individuals will likely reunite with their families 'within the next few weeks.' Users' reactions to the potential release of dual nationals: 'The Islamic Republic's policy is piracy.' Exclusive; the European Union welcomes the change in the status of Iranian-American prisoners. The head of the Central Bank of Iran announced the 'release of frozen currency resources' in South Korea. Reactions from newspapers regarding the dollar exchange with several dual nationals; conservatives: 'Victory without ransom'; government critics: 'Agreement out of necessity.' The U.S.: 'The released funds are for purchasing non-sanctioned items'; users: 'It's shameful.' The deputy of Raisi: 'Until the complete transfer of six billion dollars, American prisoners will remain in Iran.' Blinken: 'Diplomatic efforts do not diminish the U.S. will to counter the Islamic Republic's destructive actions in the region.' Exclusive; it may take several weeks for the dual nationals to reunite with their families.