Biden administration secures prisoner swap and funds release in Iran deal

The Biden administration has issued a waiver allowing banks to transfer $6 billion in restricted Iranian funds to Qatar, a crucial step in a deal to free five Americans who have been wrongfully detained in Iran. The waiver ensures that financial institutions involved in the transfer will not face US sanctions. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed the prisoner swap component of the deal, stating that the US has committed to releasing five Iranian nationals currently detained in the United States. The development brings hope to the families of the Americans involved, signaling a potential end to their ordeal. However, it may face opposition from some Republicans in Congress and GOP presidential nominees.