5 prisoners freed in U.S. swap with Iran, arrive in Qatar

Five Americans detained in Iran for years freed in exchange for $6B in frozen assets. U.S. and Iran remain locked in disputes over Tehran's nuclear programme and other matters. The exchange unfolded amid a major American military buildup in the Persian Gulf. Freed prisoners thanked those who kept their plight alive, while Biden faced criticism from opponents over monetary arrangement. U.S. pledged to keep pressing for accountability for Iran and other regimes over wrongful detentions. Tensions remain high between U.S. and Iran, with possibility of U.S. troops boarding ships in Strait of Hormuz. U.S. demands more info on Bob Levinson, sanctions former Iranian President and Intelligence Ministry.

Five Americans detained for years in Iran walked off a plane and into freedom Monday, many arm-in-arm, as part of a deal that saw President Joe Biden agree to unlock nearly $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets. The deal brought Biden profuse thanks from their families but heat from Republican opponents for the monetary arrangement with one of America's top rivals.

“Today, five innocent Americans who were imprisoned in Iran are finally coming home,” President Biden said in a statement released as the plane carrying the group from Tehran landed in Doha, Qatar. A plane carrying the Americans home to the United States was due to land Monday night.

Iran's hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi, on hand for the United Nations General Assembly in New York, suggested that Monday's exchange could be “a step in the direction of a humanitarian action between us and America.”

“It can definitely help in building trust,” Raisi told journalists.

Despite the successful negotiations Monday, however, tensions are almost certain to remain high between the U.S. and Iran, which are locked in disputes over Tehran's nuclear programme and other matters. Iran says the programme is peaceful, but it now enriches uranium closer than ever to weapons-grade levels.

The carefully negotiated and timed prisoner exchange unfolded amid a major American military buildup in the Persian Gulf, with the possibility of U.S. troops boarding and guarding commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of all oil shipments pass.

After the plane slowed to a stop in Doha, three of the prisoners walked down the stairs. They hugged the U.S. ambassador to Qatar, Timmy Davis, and others.