Iranian-American Prisoners Transferred to House Arrest Amid Prisoner Swap Speculations
In a recent development, Iran has transferred five Iranian-American prisoners to house arrest, according to Jared Genser, a U.S.-based lawyer. This move comes as Tehran has hinted at the possibility of a prisoner swap with the United States, in exchange for the release of frozen funds in South Korea. At present, Iran has not officially acknowledged the transfer.
These transfers occur during a period of escalated tensions between Iran and the U.S. The U.S. has deployed a significant military presence in the Persian Gulf, increasing the likelihood of American troops providing security for commercial ships passing through the vital Strait of Hormuz, which handles 20% of global oil trade.
It remains unclear whether the relocation of the Iranian-American prisoners signifies substantial progress in the potential prisoner swap between the two nations. Iran has previously exaggerated the advancement of negotiations, likely facilitated by Oman and Qatar, regarding a potential exchange.
In March, the U.S. denounced Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian’s claim of an imminent swap deal as a “cruel lie.”
Jared Genser, who has represented one of the prisoners, Siamak Namazi, confirmed the transfer while not disclosing the identities of the other two prisoners. Emad Shargi and Morad Tahbaz are also among the detainees. Genser stated that the transfer from Evin Prison to house arrest is a significant development but cautioned against guaranteeing the prisoners’ ultimate release.
Expressing hope in the ongoing efforts of President Biden and government officials, Neda Sharghi, sister of Emad Shargi, refrained from providing further comments until news of their release is received.
The U.S. State Department refrained from immediate comment on the matter.
It is uncertain how many Iranian-Americans are presently held in Iran, as the country does not recognize dual citizenship.
Out of the three prisoners whose identities are known, Siamak Namazi was arrested in 2015 and later sentenced to ten years in prison on espionage charges that received international criticism. Emad Shargi, a venture capitalist, and Morad Tahbaz, a British-American conservationist of Iranian descent, have also been sentenced to ten years in prison.
Previous statements from U.S. officials have suggested the existence of a fourth detainee in Iran. In August, an Iranian newspaper reported the case of a fifth prisoner, indicating its revelation during ongoing negotiations for their release.
Iran has expressed its desire for the release of Iranian prisoners held in the U.S. These prisoners have reportedly violated U.S. export laws and engaged in activities against trade restrictions with Iran, including fund transfers through Venezuela and sales of dual-use equipment that could potentially support Iran’s military and nuclear programs. Tehran has also demanded access to its frozen assets abroad, particularly the $7 billion held in South Korean banks. In response to the dispute, Iran has already seized a South Korean oil tanker and threatened further retaliation.
Iran and the U.S. have a history of engaging in prisoner swaps, dating back to the 1979 hostage crisis following the Islamic Revolution. The most recent major exchange occurred in 2016, when Iran reached an agreement with world powers to curtail its nuclear program in exchange for lifted sanctions. Consequently, four American captives, including journalist Jason Rezaian, were released, and several Iranians in the U.S. were granted freedom. On the same day, the U.S. airlifted $400 million in cash to Tehran.
Iran has faced international condemnation for its targeting of dual nationals during periods of heightened tension. A United Nations panel has identified a concerning pattern of arbitrary deprivation of liberty among dual nationals. The West accuses Iran of using foreign prisoners as leverage in political negotiations, an allegation Tehran denies.
Previous attempts to negotiate a comprehensive prisoner swap faltered after former President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018. Subsequent attacks and ship seizures attributed to Iran have further strained relations. Although President Joe Biden aimed to revive the deal upon assuming office, diplomatic negotiations have stagnated for a year.
The potential impact of any deal on Biden, who is currently authorizing a military buildup in the Persian Gulf, remains uncertain. In 2016, then-President Barack Obama faced severe criticism from Republicans over the prisoner swap, although he was in the final stages of his presidency. Biden, on the other hand, may be up for re-election in November 2024, potentially challenging him to navigate these complex negotiations.
The Gulf Arab nations in the Persian Gulf, which rely on American security guarantees, might be less critical of Biden due to the troop buildup. The U.S. is also engaged in negotiations with Saudi Arabia regarding potential diplomatic recognition of Israel, a deal that may involve additional assurances of military support against Iran. Notably, Riyadh recently reached a detente with Iran in March after years of hostility.
In addition to the prisoners mentioned, retired FBI agent Robert Levinson, who vanished on the Iranian island of Kish in 2007, remains missing. A 2013 investigation conducted by the Associated Press revealed that Levinson had been conducting an unauthorized CIA mission. The U.S. alleges that he was abducted by Iranian government agents, but Iran denies arresting him or having knowledge of his whereabouts. Levinson is presumed to have died in Iranian custody, and he would now be 75 years old.
Reporting by Matthew Lee in Washington. Contributions by Isabel DeBre in Jerusalem and Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran.
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