Iranian Doctor Detained in the US Returns to Tehran in Prisoner Exchange

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] An Iranian doctor who was detained in a U.S. prison on charges of violating U.S. sanctions against Iran arrived in Tehran, Iran, on the morning of the 8th (local time), according to AP News and others.

According to reports, Iranian Majid Taheri arrived at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport that day. Welcomed by Foreign Ministry officials and family members, he claimed at the event that the charges against him were unfair and false.

Taheri was exchanged for Michael White, a former U.S. Navy civilian who had been detained in Iran for two years. The Iranian government had detained White on charges of insulting Iran's Supreme Leader and threatening national security, and sent him back to the U.S. on the 4th. The Iranian government explained through its official Twitter that "Taheri was exchanged for White, who had been detained in Iran."

Regarding this prisoner exchange, the Iranian Foreign Ministry told the state-run IRNA news agency the day before, "It was facilitated with the help of the Swiss government," adding, "We did not negotiate directly with the U.S." Previously, in December last year, the U.S. and Iran also exchanged one detainee each through the mediation of the Swiss government.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.