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2 Md. Men Released From Prison As Part Of Deal With Iran

BALTIMORE (WJZ)--Freed at last. Four Americans are released as part of a prisoner exchange between the United States and Iran.

Tracey Leong explains how two of the Iranians in the swap have local ties.

Safe at last, a plane carrying three Americans who were imprisoned in Iran landed in Geneva on Sunday.

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Credit: CBS News

The first photo is released on Twitter of Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian as a free man.  He was jailed in 2014 for spying.

Pastor Saeed Abedini detained in 2012 accused of organizing underground Christian churches in Iran.

Former U.S. Marine Amir Hekmati jailed in 2011 and charged with espionage.

The fourth American prisoner released Nosratollah Khosravi-Roodsari who decided to stay in Iran.

"Today we are united in welcoming home sons and husbands and brothers who were in lonely prison cells and endured an absolute nightmare," said President Obama.

Seven Iranians are receiving clemency and are being released from federal prison in the United States as part of the deal to free the Americans.

Two of the released prisoners had ties to Maryland, one lived in Potomac, the other lived right in Parkville.

According to our media partner The Baltimore Sun, Nader Modanlou, of Potomac and Ali Saboonchi  , of Parkville were convicted of violating the U.S. trade embargo with Iran.

The Americans were released from Iran's prison after 14 months of diplomatic bargaining.

Before boarding a plane to be reunited with her brother, Amir Hekmati's says "it's surreal, I am still in disbelief and honestly everything happened so quickly I don't think it will hit me until I am hugging him."

The three Americans are being evaluated at a hospital in Germany before they return to the U.S.

The U.S. also dropped charges against 14 Iranians who officials said extradition to the U.S. was not likely.

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