An Iranian detained in the United States and an American imprisoned in Iran have been released, both countries said Saturday.
Xiyue Wang, a Sino-American man detained for three years in Iran, and Massoud Soleimani, detained in the United States, will soon be able to join their relatives, Iranian diplomatic chief Mohammad Javad Zarif announced on Twitter.
“We thank our Swiss partners for their assistance in negotiating Mr. Wang’s release with Iran,” said US President Donald Trump in a statement released by the White House. “Freeing Americans held captive is of vital importance to my Administration, and we will continue to work hard to bring home all our citizens wrongfully held captive overseas.”
Switzerland has represented US interests in Iran since 1980, when it broke off relations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif also thanked Switzerland. “Glad that Professor Massoud Soleimani and Mr. Xiyue Wang will be joining their families shortly,” he said in a tweet. “Many thanks to all engaged, particularly the Swiss government.”
Washington has demanded that Iran release all the Americans it is holding, including a navy veteran imprisoned last year and a former FBI agent missing since 2007. Several dozen Iranians are being held in US jails, many of them for breaking sanctions.
More
More
Swiss facilitate release of US citizen in Venezuelan prison
This content was published on
The Swiss foreign ministry has confirmed its involvement in the release of a United States citizen from a prison in Venezuela in April.
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
This content was published on
Emergency crews contained the oil and began removing some of the pollution from the water’s surface, said the St Gallen cantonal police on Sunday.
Switzerland lifts sanctions on Syria after Assad’s fall
This content was published on
Switzerland is lifting economic sanctions on Syria, but targeted measures against figures linked to the former regime remain in place.
Thousands march in Bern calling for Gaza ceasefire
This content was published on
More than 10,000 people – or up to 20,000, according to organisers – marched through central Bern on Saturday afternoon in support for Gaza.
Zurich Pride draws large crowds amid financial strain
This content was published on
Following US President Donald Trump’s attacks on diversity initiatives, Zurich Pride fears more sponsors could pull out and is now facing financial difficulties.
Switzerland ‘deeply alarmed’ by Middle East escalation
This content was published on
Switzerland has voiced serious concern over rising tensions in the Middle East, and the UN chief says he is ‘alarmed’ by US strikes on Iran.
Switzerland among world’s most expensive for household electricity
This content was published on
According to a study by the comparison site Verivox, based on data from Global Petrol Prices, Switzerland came in tenth out of 143 countries.
Global uncertainty boosts Swiss-EU talks, says Cassis
This content was published on
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis says Switzerland’s talks with the European Union (EU) have been boosted by the current difficult global situation.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
What are Switzerland’s good offices good for?
This content was published on
As tensions and oil prices rise in the Middle East, the Swiss foreign ministry is offering its good offices. But what are they?
Switzerland to represent US interests in Venezuela
This content was published on
Switzerland is to represent the interests of the United States in Venezuela, under a “good offices” agreement between the two countries.
This content was published on
The Swiss ministry of foreign affairs announced Sunday that Switzerland will represent the interests of Saudi Arabia in Iran, and those of Iran in Saudi Arabia, following the rupture of diplomatic relations between the countries.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.