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Iran Waiting to Hear from US About Prisoner Exchange

VOA News

   Iranian officials said Sunday they are ready for a prisoner exchange
   with the U.S. but that they have yet to hear from U.S. officials.

   "Iran has already stated our readiness to discuss the release of all
   prisoners without preconditions . . . but Americans have not
   responded," Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiel said, according to
   the Iranian government website Dolat.ir.

   Both countries have called for the swap because of concerns about
   COVID-19.

   Iran has been hard hit by the virus, while the U.S. leads the world in
   the number of infections.

   The exact number of prisoners held by either side is not immediately
   clear.

   The last, rare prisoner exchange between the two longtime foes happened
   December 7, when Iran freed Chinese American academic Xiyue Wang in
   return for the U.S. releasing Iranian scientist Masoud Soleimani. The
   swap happened in Zurich through Swiss mediation.

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