In the lead-up to the contentious but momentous agreement to repatriate five Americans wrongfully detained in Iran, Iranian authorities created hurdles, sought last-minute concessions from the US, and even momentarily halted the process just minutes before the detainees were scheduled to leave Tehran.
Newly disclosed, behind-the-scenes revelations shed light on the final days of negotiations and the challenges faced by American diplomats as they worked to ensure a diplomatic breakthrough, years in the making, did not crumble in its critical final stages. Senior officials from the US State Department shared these insights with CNN, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
The officials disclosed that Acting US Special Envoy for Iran Abram Paley and Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens arrived in Doha on a Saturday afternoon to coordinate with Qatari and Swiss officials regarding the logistical aspects of releasing the five American detainees, along with two of their family members, an event anticipated to occur the following Monday.