Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Photo: Iranian Leader Press Off./Handout/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
U.S Navy veteran Michael White has been freed by Iran and has left the country on a Swiss government aircraft, AP reports.
Why it matters: White spent 683 days detained by the Iranian government. He was the first American known to be detained by Iran since President Trump took office.
What they're saying:
"For the past 683 days my son, Michael, has been held hostage in Iran by the IRGC and I have been living a nightmare. I am blessed to announce that the nightmare is over, and my son is safely on his way home.
I am incredibly grateful to the Administration, especially the team at the State Department for their work on Michael’s case and I owe the Swiss Diplomats who worked so hard to keep Michael safe a debt I can never repay. Outside of government, I’d like to thank Gov. Bill Richardson for repeatedly raising Michael’s case with Iranian officials and delivering my personal pleas for my son’s freedom."— Joanne White, Michael's mother
White's release comes a day after the U.S. released Iranian scientist, the New York Times reports. American officials stated the two cases are not linked.
- White, a cancer patient, also contracted the coronavirus while held in an Iranian prison.
- At least three other Americans, all with dual U.S.-Iranian citizenship, are known to be in Iranian custody.