Iran releases Washington Post reporter in U.S. prisoner swap

The Washington Post welcomed Iran's release of its reporter Jason Rezaian on Saturday, in a message from its publisher Frederick Ryan.

"We couldn't be happier to hear the news that Jason Rezaian has been released from Evin Prison. Once we receive more details and can confirm Jason has safely left Iran, we will have more to share," he said.

Rezaian, a California-born Iranian-American, was detained in July 2014 and later convicted after a trial on charges of espionage and other crimes against national security.

He was freed on Saturday along with three more Iranian-Americans after what US officials said was a long diplomatic campaign to secure their release