Release of American by Iran might be a precursor to what can be done: Trump

Team Udayavani, Dec 8, 2019, 9:20 AM IST

Washington: The release of American citizen Xiyue Wang by Iran in a prisoner swap could be a precursor to what could be done, US President Donald Trump said Saturday.

Iran on Saturday released Wang, a Ph.D. student from the University of Princeton, who was arrested by Iranians three years ago on suspicion of being a spy and sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment.

“We are very happy to have our hostage back. The whole Princeton University community is very thrilled. And there was a one-on-one hostage swap,” Trump told reporters on the South Lawns of the White House.

“Actually, I think it was a great thing for Iran. I think it was great to show that we can do something. It might have been a precursor to what can be done,” said Trump.

The United States currently has no diplomatic relationship with Iran. After coming to power, Trump has withdrawn the US from the Iranian nuclear deal. He has imposed harsh economic sanctions on Iran and designated several top Iranian leaders and organizations.

Trump expressed satisfaction that the American hostage is back. “We have our hostage back. We’ve been trying to get him back. He was taken during the Obama administration. We got him back during the Trump administration, so we’re very happy about that,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Trump thanked Iran for fair negotiations.

“Taken during the Obama Administration (despite USD150 Billion gift), returned during the Trump Administration. Thank you to Iran on a very fair negotiation. See, we can make a deal together!” tweeted the US President.