IntelBrief: U.S. and Iran Finalize Prisoner Swap

Bottom Line Up Front

• Yesterday’s prisoner swap between the United States and Iran will include the release of $6 billion in Iranian assets, to be used to purchase food and medical equipment for the Iranian people.
• The deal has reignited a debate over U.S. concessions to Iran’s long-used tactic of incarcerating American citizens.
• Iran reportedly sought to complete the swap as the UN General Assembly meetings convene in New York City this week.
• U.S. officials see the exchange as not only bringing home American citizens detained abroad, but also paving the way for broader de-escalation with Iran.