Despite the American denial, Iran reaffirmed that negotiations are ongoing for an agreement on a prisoner exchange with the United States. Nasser Kanaani, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, stated in a press conference on Monday that the American side had accepted to complete the prisoner exchange at one stage, apart from the negotiations concerning the nuclear agreement. He noted that Iran has a written agreement with Washington regarding this issue, but it refrains from disclosing the details.
Kanaani emphasized that this issue should be treated "realistically," adding that "Tehran believes in the necessity of obtaining guarantees regarding the American side's commitment." He also stated that his country has practically demonstrated its commitment to and belief in diplomacy as a solution to resolve differences.
Kanaani expressed surprise last night at Washington's denial of statements made by Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, who revealed that an agreement had been reached on prisoner exchanges between the two sides. He urged that this issue should not be used as a "tool for political games."
Furthermore, the Iranian Foreign Ministry anticipated that positive relations with Saudi Arabia would influence other countries in the region, considering that the positive atmosphere of relations with Saudi Arabia would be a reason for resolving the Yemen crisis.
