The American Iranian Council welcomes the announcement of a pending prisoner swap between the United States and Iran, set to free detained Iranian-Americans Jason Rezaian, Amir Hekmati, Saeed Abedini, and Nosratollah Khosavi-Roodsari in exchange for seven Iranians being held by the US on sanctions violations. Fars News reported that the Iranians due to be released include Nader Modanlo, Bahram Mechanic, Khosro Afghahi, Arash Ghahreman, Tooraj Faridi, Nima Golastaneh, and Ali Sabonchi. While these long detainments should not have occurred in the first place, the reciprocal pardons are a significant step and a validation of diplomacy’s efficacy