5 Americans released by Iran, expected to be in return for unfreezing billions in funds

Iran and the United States exchange prisoners on Monday after nearly $6 billion in once-frozen Iranian assets reached Qatar, a key element of the planned swap, Reuters reports.

According to the report, tensions are almost certain to remain high between the US and Iran, which are locked in various disputes, including over Tehran’s nuclear program. Iran says the program is peaceful, but it now enriches uranium closer than ever to weapons-grade levels.

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Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanaani, was the first to acknowledge the swap would take place Monday. He said the cash sought for the exchange that had been held by South Korea was now in Qatar, the report added.

The US detainees had reached the airport in Tehran with Qatar’s Ambassador, the report added.

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