Five U.S. citizens detained in Iran, including Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian, were freed Saturday, the same day sanctions were expected to be lifted as part of the country's nuclear deal.
The Americans released were Rezaian, former Marine Amir Hekmati, Saeed Abedini, Nosratollah Khosravi-Roodsari and Matthew Trevithick, said U.S. officials. Families and colleagues rejoiced amid the news.
"We couldn’t be happier to hear the news that Jason Rezaian has been released from Evin Prison," Frederick J. Ryan, Jr., publisher of The Washington Post, said in a statement. "Once we receive more details and can confirm Jason has safely left Iran, we will have more to share."
“We thank everyone for your thoughts during this time," Hekmati's family said in a statement. "There are still many unknowns. At this point, we are hoping and praying for Amir’s long-awaited return.”
“This has been an answer to prayer,” said Abedini's wife, Naghmeh Abedini, according to a statement from the American Center for Law and Justice, which represents the family. “This is a critical time for me and my family. We look forward to Saeed's return and want to thank the millions of people who have stood with us in prayer during this most difficult time.”
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While their families were likely celebrating, the family of former FBI agent Bob Levinson was "devastated" he was not one of those freed.
“We are happy for the other families. But once again, Bob Levinson has been left behind," the family said in a statement provided to ABC News.
Levinson disappeared in Iran over eight years ago. While the U.S. official said Iran has agreed to cooperate with the U.S. to determine his whereabouts, his family said the Iranians have repeatedly denied knowing where he is.
As part of the prisoner swap, the U.S. offered clemency to seven Iranians, six of whom are dual U.S.-Iranian citizens, who had been convicted or were awaiting trial in the U.S., said the official. The U.S. also removed Interpol red notices and dismissed charges against 14 Iranians for whom extradition was unlikely to be successful.
The prisoner release came as sanctions against Iran were expected to be lifted Saturday as part of its nuclear deal. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said the International Atomic Energy Agency would confirm the country had complied with the requirements of the deal.
"With the release of the IAEA chief's report the nuclear deal will be implemented, after which a joint statement will be made to announce the beginning of the deal," Zarif said, according to Iranian news agencies. "Today is a good day for the Iranian people as sanctions will be lifted today."
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Washington Post Journalist Jason Rezaian, 4 Other Americans Freed by Iran