An Iranian held in the US and an American held in Iran have been freed, the two sides said Saturday, in an apparent prisoner swap.

Tehran announced the release of Iranian scientist Massoud Soleimani from the United States shortly before Washington declared American researcher Xiyue Wang was returning home.

“Glad that Professor Massoud Soleimani and Mr. Xiyue Wang will be joining their families shortly,” Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted.

“Many thanks to all engaged, particularly the Swiss government,” which has looked after US interests in Iran in the absence of diplomatic ties, Zarif said.

In a statement issued in Washington, US President Donald Trump said that “after more than three years of being held prisoner in Iran, Xiyue Wang is returning to the United States”.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US was “pleased that Tehran has been constructive in this matter” while also thanking Switzerland for its role.

Source: Agencies