American Citizens Released in Prisoner Swap Deal between Iran and U.S.

Siamak Namazi and Four Others Set Free after Years in Iranian Prisons

Background

In the summer of 2015, Siamak Namazi, a 51-year-old Iranian American businessman, traveled to Tehran amid the excitement surrounding the landmark nuclear deal between Iran and the United States. However, instead of finding business opportunities, Namazi was arrested and charged with collaborating with a hostile government, referring to the United States. He subsequently became the longest-held American citizen known to be imprisoned in Iran.

On Thursday, Namazi and four other dual national Iranian Americans became part of a prisoner swap deal between Iran and the U.S. The U.S. agreed to release five Iranians jailed for violating sanctions against Iran and to release approximately $6 billion of Iran’s frozen assets held in South Korea. The money will be transferred to a bank account in Qatar and can only be used by Iran for humanitarian purposes, such as medical expenses.

Current Status

While the Americans have been released from prison, they remain under house arrest at a Tehran hotel. Iran’s foreign ministry has stated that they will be allowed to leave the country once the money has been transferred to the Qatari bank account.

Other Prisoners

The other American prisoners include Emad Sharghi, a 58-year-old businessman sentenced in 2020 on spying charges, and Morad Tahbaz, a 68-year-old British-born businessman and wildlife conservationist arrested in 2018 on charges of contacts with the U.S. government. Two additional prisoners remain anonymous at the request of their families.

Profiles of the Prisoners

Siamak Namazi comes from a well-known family in central Iran and has a master’s degree from the London Business School. He had expertise in Iran’s economy and was recognized as one of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders.

Morad Tahbaz, a wealthy businessman and wildlife conservationist, co-founded the Persian Wildlife Heritage Foundation in an effort to protect endangered animals in Iran. He suffered from prostate cancer and contracted Covid-19 multiple times during his detention.

Emad Sharghi, a partner at a company in Abu Dhabi, relocated to Tehran with his wife in 2017. He was described as a kind and present father by his wife.

Conclusion

The release of the American prisoners is set to happen by September, bringing an end to their ordeal. However, the process of recovering from their traumatic experiences may take time.