▲ This photo, taken on Aug. 18, 2023, shows President Joe Biden speaking during a joint press conference with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts, Yoon Suk Yeol and Fumio Kishida, at Camp David. (Yonhap)

Biden-US detainees-release

Biden thanks S. Korea, other countries for helping achieve return of U.S. detainees from Iran

By Song Sang-ho

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- President Joe Biden expressed his appreciation Monday to South Korea and other countries for helping achieve the return of five American citizens who were detained in Iran.

Biden issued a statement celebrating their release under a rare swap deal with Tehran that reportedly saw around $6 billion in Iranian funds frozen in South Korean banks under U.S. sanctions unlocked.

"I am grateful to our partners at home and abroad for their tireless efforts to help us achieve this outcome, including the Governments of Qatar, Oman, Switzerland, and South Korea," he said, noting the detainees endured "years of agony, uncertainty and suffering."

Biden gave special thanks to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad, and the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq, for helping facilitate the deal.

He also reminded U.S. citizens of the "serious risks" of traveling to Iran, while stressing reuniting "wrongfully" detained Americans with their loved ones has been a priority for his administration.

In a separate statement, Secretary of State Antony Blinken also thanked South Korea.

"We also thank the Republic of Korea for its close coordination and partnership," he said, referring to the East Asian ally by its official name.

(END)

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]