Biden Grants Clemency To 5 Jailed Iranians As US Confirms Prisoner Swap

The sanctions were imposed over alleged deceit over the disappearance of Bob Levinson, a former FBI agent who disappeared in Iran in mysterious circumstances and is presumed dead.

The United States on Monday confirmed a prisoner swap with Iran and said that President Joe Biden had granted clemency to five Iranians jailed or awaiting trial for non-violent crimes.

A US official said that seven US citizens were on a Qatari plane that departed Iran. They include three previously identified Americans -- Siamak Namazi, Morad Tahbaz, and Emad Sharqi -- and two who wish to remain anonymous.

Also on the plane are Namazi's mother and Sharqi's wife, both of whom are US citizens who were barred from leaving Iran, although they were not imprisoned.