journalist, jason rezaian has been freed. that news reported by iran's semi official farce news agency. >> iran is being released as part of a prisoner swam, along with amir ramadi, pastor. ahmad habadini. >> this is as they are preparing for the end of sanctions that have crippled their economy related to the nuclear deal. elite is on the phone with us. >> we only know details at this point. i have to be clear that the united states government has not said anything. often, we hear something from iran about whether someone has been charged. the arrest of jason rez zain. all we know, as you said, iran's semi-official news agency has said that iran has freed jason rezain and three others as part of a swap. there are roughly a dozen iranian nationals in the u.s. custody, a lot of them related to violation of economic sanctions that the u.s. has upon iran. we know today is the implementation of the iran nuclear deal. those sanctions have been lifted today. you have heard in recent officials, iranian officials and iran's president say he would be open to a swap for jason rezaian and others.

, but it could very well be that the three americans, jason rezaian, amir hekmati, saeed abedini, and of course the wife and the mother of jason rezaian could already be at the landstuhl medical facility where, of course, they will be receiving medical checks almost immediately, medical fremont for anything. of course there were graich health concerns, especially about the health of jason rezaian. there were reports he was not doing well while he was in detention in iran. and then of course -- and of course probably most importantly they will also be reunited with some of their loved ones after such a very long time. amir hekmati, for instance, in detention for more than four years. so certainly some very emotional scenes will be playing out at the landstuhl medical center. >> and then, fred, the fifth american matthew trevithick, he left iran on his own, as far as we understand. do you know whether he had to come to ramstein for any kind of medical checkup or, you know, processing before heading back to the u.s.? >> reporter: there's no indication that he came here to ramstein. there

. reporter jason rezaian and amir hekmati and saeed abedini. less is known about two other men iran just released. nosratoliah khoshawi. and matthew trevithick. his release was not part of this exact prisoner swap. let's bring in the latest with the cnn correspondent frederik pleitgen at the air base in germany where these prisoners were just released. what is the latest now this morning, fred? >> reporter: it was an odyssey for them to come here from tehran. i was covering this all yesterday. they took a swiss government flight from tehran to geneva and then another flight to the ramstein air base in germany to the landstuhl military hospital. this is a world class facility. over the next couple days, they first of all will get medical treatment and probably both physical and psychological. the report in jason rezaian's case, there was a lot of concern about his health with his high blood pressure. he was held in one of the toughest detention facilities in iran. and amir hekmati, in prison for four years in iran. so all of the three men will be evaluated psychologically and physica

iran has freed four american prisoners, including "washington post" journal, jason rezaian, and the christian pastor, saeed abedini. the u.s. officials telling cnn that the americans have been released, but they have not yet left iran. in addition to rezaian and abedini, iran is also releasing amir hekmati and nosratoliah khoshawi. we don't know anything about this fourth american, we'll get more about him shortly. jason rezaian's brother just said that they have not yet received confirmation, but hopes this is all true. saeed abedini's wife has confirmed his release, saying, i'm quoting her, this is been an answer to a prayer. this is a critical time for me and my family. we look forward to saeed's return. and we want to thanks the millions of people who have stood with us in prayer during this most difficult time. in exchange for the u.s. prisoners, the u.s. has dropped charges against seven u.s. iranians who were being held. joining us is cnn's fred pleitgen who spent a lot of time in iran during recent months. first, what do we know about the circumstances around the release of

release of four u.s. prisoners including "washington post" reporter jason rezaian, quoting they ron's prosecutor, more on this story as it develops. >>> now, is ted cruz an american and legal presidential candidate or isn't he? cruz's nationality was the hot topic at the gop debate. >> now, since september the constitution hasn't changed, but the poll numbers have. >> but the democrats are going to bring a lawsuit. you have to have certainty. you can't have a question. i can agree with you or not, but you can't have a question over your head. >> donald trump said democrats are going to bring a lawsuit. joining me is one of those democrats pushing for this case to be heard, u.s. congressman also running for marco rubio's senate seat, congressman alan grayson. congressman, what is your plan? >> it's to make certain the constitution is vindicated. i took an oath of office to uphold the constitution. it's a serious matter. the constitution says what it means and means what it says. it says only natural born citizens of at least 35 years of age are eligible to be president. ted cruz was bo

, good spirits. the brother of freed american journalist jason rezaian speaks to cnn and gives the world the first glimpse of how his brother is doing now that he's out of iranian prison. >> he seems in good spirits. he's together. he's really -- can't wait to get out and see people. >> up next, the first thing jason rezaian asked for after his dramatic release. we'll be right back. weyoung company around but if we want to keep the soda pop flowing we need fresh ideas! >>got it. we slow, we die. >>what about cashing out? no! i'm trying to build something here. >>how about using fedex ground for shipping? >>i don't need some kid telling me how to run a business! i've been doing this for 4 long months. >>fedex ground can help us save money and deliver fast to our customers. not bad, kid. you remind me of a younger me. >>aiden! the dog is eating your retainer again. let's take a short 5-minute recess. fedex ground is faster to more locations than ups ground. ♪ ♪virgin islands nice ♪ ♪so nice ♪so nice, so nice ♪ spend a few days in the u.s. virgin islands and return with a

, including washington post journalist, jason rezaian and christian pastor, saeed abedini. let's get to wolf blitzer in washington for more. wolf? >> this is a historic moment. major news. "the washington post" now reporting that as of this hour, the tehran bureau chief, jason rezaian, is free and out of iranian air space. in addition to rezaian, iran is reportedly releasing u.s. marine veteran, amir hekmati and the christian pastor, saeed abedini and nosratoliah khoshawi. there is some conflicting reports that the fourth individual may, in fact, not be this individual but may, in fact, be namazi, a u.s. businessman. we are trying to clarify that as well. the information is still murky. all of this being reported by iran, it is part of a major prisoner swap in which the united states in return which free at least six iranians held on charges related to the sanctions against iran. joining us on the phone is the chief correspondent, christiane amanpour, spent a lot of time in iran over the years. she has worked this story very diligently. what are you hearing about this major prisoner swap ha

, five american prisoners in iran set free. they are washington post reporter jason rezaian, american christian pastor saeed abedini, marine veteran amir hekmati, and nosratollah khosrawi. a fifth american is being released from iran, as well, who was held there for a matter of months, a student named matthew trevithick. u.s. officials do note his release is not part of this negotiated prisoner swap, but he will be flying home with the four other americans. 14 months of intense secret negotiations are what led to today, the prisoner swap finalized, u.s. also agreeing to drop sanction related charges against seven iranians held. at this point we don't have the names of the iranians being released. i want to go straight to washington, my colleague wolf blitzer is covering this from there. wolf? >> poppy, historic day, indeed. our team coverage on this stunning deal covers the globe. i want to go to nic robertson, he's in vienna where the secretary of state, the iranian foreign minister, the e.u. representative, they've all been there. global affairs correspondent elise labbot is standin

with iran on the nuclear deal, the u.s. was better able to negotiate their freedom. >> jason rezaian is coming home. the courageous journalist for "the washington post" who wrote about the daily lives and hopes of the iranian people. he's been held for a year and a half. he embodies the brave spirit that gives life to the freedom of the press. jason has already been reunited with his wife and mom. pastor saeed abedini is coming home, held for 3 1/2 years. his unyielding faith has inspired people around the world in the global fight to uphold freedom of religion. now he'll return to his church and community in idaho. amir hekmati is coming home. a former sergeant in the marine corps. he's been held for 4 1/2 years. today his parents and sisters are giving thanks in michigan. two other americans unjustly detained by iran have also been released. nosratoliah khoshavi and matthew trev knittic. when americans are reunited with their families that's something we can all celebrate. today we're united in welcoming home sons and brothers who in lonely prison cells have endured an absolute nightm

"washington post" journalist jason rezaian. this was posted on the tarmac in geneva, the picture taken under those circumstances, then posted on twitter. the first photo since his release that we know of. the freed prisoners stopped off in geneva switzerland after leaving tehran on a private jet, then they were also taken to germany. special enjoy brett mckirk tweeted this image along with this, quote, thrilled to see jason rezaian land safely in geneva tonight after 18 months of unjust imprisonment in iran, unquote. thrilled is just one of the many emotions the family members and friends are likely feeling. let's get to fred pleitgen and she talked to a close family friend of one of the prisoners. let me go to you first, fred, about the process there, what happens now that they've landed there at that military base? >> yeah, fred, i mean, you can just imagine how emotional these three men must be at this point in time now that they're in the landstuhl medical center. they got here about an hour and a half, two hours ago and were brought to the landstuhl medical center, which is

others. >> it's been about 500 days that the washington post, jason rezaian. remind of us of his imprisonment. >> well, wolf, you know, rr wja rezaian more than a year ago, about a year and a half ago. he was detained on charges that he was spying. charges of spying, passing sensitive information to u.s. intelligence about iran. he was a washington post reporter, really reveefred as one of the most in-depth reporters about the iranian people and culture. he was, after a very long closed door trial in which we don't know, a lot of information about what happened to him, we understand an iranian court convicted him in october. the judiciary said in november that he was sentenced to prison, but didn't release any information about what he was convicted of or what his sentence is, and we have had a lot of concern. his family, the washington post, who has maintained his innocence about his health, but we understand now, he is coming home. his wife was also detained at the time. she was released, but she was not allowed to leave the country. we do understand she'll be allowed to leave

jason rezaian, marine veteran, amir hekmati and the christian pastor saeed abedini. less is known about two other men iran released. nosratoliah khoshawi. his captivity had not previously been reported. then the student matthew trevithick. his release was not part of the original prisoner swap. for the latest, i want to bring in correspondent frederik pleitgen. he is live in germany for us. good morning, fred. what is the latest? >> reporter: good morning, christine. emotional times here at the landstuhl medical center. the world renowned medical center. this is where the men were taken and over the course of the next few hours, they will be reunited with their friends and loved ones. there were a lot of people in america, politicians and family members and friends who were keeping their cases in the public light and supporters coming here to then be with the three men. the other thing taking place at landstuhl is there will be medical evaluation of all three men. you remember that in the case of jason rezaian, a lot of concern about how he was doing when he was there in the priso

jason rezaian from "the washington pos post". it is entirely likely as fred was outlining and we were talking about yesterday this is a simultaneous and will be a simultaneous event. neither side wants to be seen as going first or anything in that regard. so that is very likely. and we are waiting to see when with the americans touch down as has been said by "the washington post." the employer at one of those americans perhaps first in geneva and then in germany to get medical treatment before coming home. i spoke to the iranian foreign ministery and i asked them -- >> did we lose her? >> i think one of the questions, follow-up questions was here we reported this in the 9:00 hour yesterday after it was reported by the semi official for a news agency in iran, it's taken 21 hours before the official swap or on the release of any of these prisoners. what happened in those 21 hours that got to this point? and why did it take so long? hopefully, we will be able to get that from christiane amanpour when we get her back on the phone. the americans just been released. jill andrewfi, the

minutes. >>> we begin with the news that "washington post" reporter jason rezaian has left iran, exchanged yesterday in a prisoner swap with iran after 18 months in detention along with three other americans. the newspaper's publisher celebrated in a statement this morning saying "we are elated by the wonderful in us that jason rezaian has been released from prison and safely left the country with his wife. we are relieved that this 545-day nightmare for jason and his family is finally over." two of the other freed americans, saeed abedini and amir hekmati are also on the plane. abedini's wife tweeting "praise god. saeed finally made it out of iranian soil and now is on a plane headed to switzerland. thank you for your prayers." >>> u.s. officials saying the fourth american part of the prisoner swap kasvavi rutsari did not fly out with the americans. matthew trevitha a fifth released yesterday but not as part of the official prisoner swap left the country yesterday and here is his mother last night on that news. >> we're very excited. we were very happy to hear matt's voice toda

sudden city. taiz. al jazeera's director said it's: jason rezaian, the "the washington post"'s tehran correspondent was freed after a prisoner exchange, following a year and a half in iranian gaol. the first footage. jason rezaian came from a european hospital. his wife showing him a video securing the idea that he was a spy. jason rezaian saw the humour. he was convicted at a closed door trial of espionage and crimes against security. a claim the newspaper denied. a prisoner report came between the republic and major powers. it was implemented lifting sanctions. some major american news outlets, have acknowledged that they new about the swap. they went on for a year. chose not to report on the story, protecting the safety of those involved. the viel is lifted on a mysterious story involving five missing publishers from hong kong, one appearing on state television in china, confessing to a crime, nothing to do with his work. >> this man living in thailand popped up on chinese television and the crime he admitted to was a drunken hit and run. he and four colleagues at a hong kon

most famous of them, "the washington post" journalist, jason rezaian, that those four have been released in, quote, a prisoner swap, according to one the iranian semiofficial news agencies. we've reached out to statement department. we have not been able to confirm it. we've reached out to the families and the rezaian family through a public relations agency just put out a statement moments ago saying they have heard the same reports we have but that they cannot confirm his release either at this stage. but a lot of diplomacy coming together right now. we're expecting that iaea statement, which would trigger the end of sanctions and at the same time we are hearing this report that these iranian americans have been released. this would be an enormous coup, diplomatic coup, for secretary kerry, the obama administration. they've been heavily criticized for signing this deal with iran without securing the release of the americans. >> richard, obviously, these reports about the release of these prisoners, particularly mr. rezaian, are the biggest news this morning, but i want to go b

-american relations. american jason rezaian who has been held in iran since 2014 will be released. he has duel iranian-u.s. citizenship. he was freed along with three other prisoners who have duel iranian-u.s. nationality. the u.s. will be releasing seven iranian nationals as part of this deal. >> 39-year-old jason rezaian was arrested with his wife and two photo journalists in iran in 2014. his wife and colleagues were released, but he was put on trial on charges including espionage. rezaian grew up in southern california the son of an iranian father and american mother. he has duel iranian-american nationality. he became a correspondent i in 2012. according to state-run media he was accused of collecting confidential information and spreading anti-iranian propaganda. iranians state television repeatedly called rezaian a spy. but that is an accusays that his boss at the "post" vigorously deny. he was fount guilty of espionage and sentenced to an unspecified prison term. his health has been deteriorating in recent weeks. he has little access to families and lawyers throughout his admi

jason rezaian who has been released from iran in a swap deal. rezaian is a bureau chief for the "washington post" and has dual u.s.-iranian citizenship. the u.s. will release seven, a . >> 39-year-old jason rezaian was arrested with his wife and two photo journalists in iran in 2014. his five and colleagues were subsequently released. but rezaian was put on trial for charges including espionage. rezaian grew up in southern california the son of an iranian father and american mother. he has dually nationality. he became the "washington post" correspondent in 2012. according to state run media he was accused of collecting confidential information and spreading anti-iranian propaganda. they repeatedly called rezaian a spy. those are accusations that hi the post deny. rezaian's family said that he has been deteriorating and has not had access to family and friends. the first idea of a swap was brought up back in august saturday's announcements still came as a complete surprise. paul brennan, al jazeera. >> we'll get more on that in a moment were roslind jordan. you can see her in wa

released by iran are enjoying time with families. jason rezaian and others are receiving medical treatment at ramstein air base in germany. matthew trevithick is back home in boston. then new sanctions put in place over ballistic missile tests iran conducted last year. we have cnn's frederik pleitgen at the air base with the latest. hi, fred. >> reporter: christine, there were some encouraging signs on the first day the men were in freedom and here at the landstuhl medical center. jason rezaian was able to meet with his family. his brother ali met with him at the fisher house at the medical center. he said jason is in very good spirits. it is interesting. i also spoke with representative huffman. jason's representative here at the welcoming delegation. he also said that jason appears to be in good health. that he apparetly attempted to keep himself fit in the tiny jail cell by walking around and around and counts his steps. he tried to stay mentally and physically fit. one of the things people keep telling us here, while these men seem to be in good spirits and good health, it wi

released from iran are spending time with their families. jason rezaian and others are getting medical treatment in ramstein, germany. matthew trevithick is back at home in boston already. and iran is upset with the new sanctions placed on them for the ballistic missiles testing. we have the latest from frederik pleitgen from landstuhl. >> reporter: john, apparently the three men are in good spirits psychologically and spiritually. they have to go through a protocol here. i was able to speak earlier to representative jared huffman. close to jason rezaian. he has managed to speak to jason and he told me a bit about how jason is doing and also how he managed to get by in that jail cell in iran. let's listen in. >> his spirits are terrific. he's feeling good physically. i think he's having waves of complex emotions as you would imagine. if iran's goal was to break jason rezaian's spirit, they failed. for part of his incarceration, he was in a jail cell of three feet by three feet. nevertheless, he made himself take steps and count as far as he could when he took the steps and when he lost

. the "washington post" reporter jason rezaian, and the former u.s. marine amir heck mauney, and the missionary saeed abedini, and also american student math trevithick. and now, rezaian, hekmati and abedini are in a hospital in germany and getting medical checkups, and we are joined by fred pleitgen at the lam stul air base in germany, and what do we know about the condition, and have they been able to reunite with the family? >> well, they have been able to meet some of the family members, and we know that, but it is unclear how many at this point, and that is going to go back to the medical checks conducted at this point in time. the physicians here at the landstuhl regional medical s center have a lot of experience of dealing with cases like this one, and apparently, one of the things they are doing is to try to reintegrate these three men as slowsly as possible so they are not overwhelmed by the fact that all of the sudden, they have all of the family members there, and there is medical checks going on as far as the physical side is going on, but a detention of this length will

months in iranian prison is free in germany this morning receiving medical checks. jason rezaian is among four american citizens freed in a prison swap over the weekend. the "washington post" report are was detained in iran for espionage in july of 2014. in exchange for his and three other americans' freedom. united states dropped charges against seven iranians. the wife of an american saeed abedini said it will be special for hercies to see their dad again. >> been a system mom for -- a single million for 3 1/2 years and the kids uniting will be precious. >> not included in the prisoner respond was form f.b.i. agent robert levinson would disappeared in iran in 2007. >> jason rezaian's brother if mill valley said international support gave his family strength and in a statement he said this gave us the strength to keep fighting for him each day and helps sustained jason resolutions there -- jason rezaian through the or deal. >> three learn contractors and their translator disappeared in baghdad over the welcome kid thatted by militia from the tran late's home. local initials say the group

editors have managed to speak to jason rezaian. they asked him how he's doing after having been evacuated from tehran, he said, "doing a hell of a lot better than i was 48 hours ago." they said he was in good spirits but also said it was the solitary confinement that were the toughest for him. what's been going on over the past couple hours is they were flown out of iran on a swiss plane, taken to geneva and then taking to the landstuhl facility where medical tests will happen. the other thing, that's probably almost as important, they'll be reunited with their loved ones. with their friends and family. remember, there were a lot of supporters in the u.s. who kept their cases in the public light. so now jason rezaian, amir hekmati and saeed abedini are meeting family members and friends here. certainly some emotional scenes here at landstuhl. >> no question. can't wait for that moment where they can embrace each other again. >>> coming up until the next hour, we'll speak live with the brother of the freed "washington post" reporter you just heard about, jason rezaian. he will jo

germany, including bay area native jason rezaian. this is the first image of rezaian since his release. he is seen here in geneva, all tree former prisoners are reconnecting with their families. >> reporter: three americans held for fongs and years behind bars in iran, land in switzerland and then germany. >> a good day when americans are freed and. >> the wife of american pastor saeed an den any quieting he just landed. i should talk with him in a few hours. thank you. the father of two was imprisoned for more than three. >> accused of threatening iran's national security. another of the released, jason rezaian, detained for 18 months, charged with espionage in a closed-door trial. once he with with wife and mother by his side was safely out of iran the "washington post" released a statement saying we are relieved that this 545 day nightmare for jayson and his family is finally over. also onboard, amir hekmati, detained the longest, four years, the former u.s. marine arrested in iran while visiting his grandmother. they all spent time at iran's notorious prison where they were

of the these "the washington post" former bureau chief jason rezaian, the president calling him a courageous journalist for "the washington post" and he embodied the brave spirit of freedom of the press. >>> a fast-moving day. joins is kristin columnist for the washington examiner, and kiersten powers, a fox news contributor. that sounded like a victory lap from a president who has been hammered, coming against the backdrop of the release of two americans. >> certainly. this as soon as a week of president obama sounding very upbeat and positive about the state of the his administration, and of course republicans in mum ways the polls tell a bit of a different story. here this was a bit of the manages accomplished moment for president obama, but let's not forgot in the middle east you still have nations like saudi arabia their severing diplomatic ties with iran. this story is not over. >> kiersten, the president set only briefly the u.s. was releasing seven iranian prisoners, involved in sanction violations and so forth. it sounded to me like he was anticipating and responding to t

iranians including jason rezaian, amir hekmati, and siamak namazi, the pas or the held, and also a man whose name had not come up in the discussion before, and nosratoliah khoshawi, and i hope that we can get clarifications of those spellings of them, but from the senior white house official, five americans have been released. we don't know the number of iranians who have been released or in fact that has not happened. no confirmation about that aspect of the story, but again, as pointed out, we don't know the logistics of all of this, and there are reporting that the one or more of them at the swiss embassy, but unclear at this point. that is the latest that there have been five americans released, and they are still, to a administration still working tirelessly, and they would say to release at least two more american americans who are still in iranian custody. again five today and still working on the others. as for the implementation day decision, the bottom line on that we understand is that, it is not done yet essentially. we are hearing indications that there is still a lot of w

prisoners clued "washington post" jason rezaian, convicted on espionage charges, saeed abedini, pastor, nosratoliah khoshawi, a fifth, a student named mathew trevithick. u.s. officials say his release is not part of this negotiated prisoner swap. that's important. this is what we know so far. 14 months of intense negotiations went on before this was finalized. they agreed to drop vances against seven iranians. being commuted at this point we do not have names of the iranians who are being released. i want to go straight to my colleague, wolf blitzer. >> poppy, huge name, major breaking news. we have around the world. our international diplomatic nic robertson joining us from austria. chris frates at the white house. ram mean is at the los angeles times. nic, first to you, the president of the united states, the secretary of the state of the united states, they were pretty widely criticized, especially by republicans for not insisting that those american prisoners should be released, should be freed as part of the nuclear deal earlier on. now they are about to be released as the

, "washington post" reporter jason rezaian is a free man and out of iran. he and three other americans released in a prisoner swap yesterday are now in geneva. landing there just hours ago. a fifth american released separately left iran yesterday. the white house credits smart and tireless diplomacy for their release with the iran nuclear deal now in full effect. from the white house today president obama saying while this progress is not perfect, it potentially opens the door to further diplomatic breakthroughs. >> the nuclear deal was never intended to resolve all of our differences with iran, but still engaging directly with the iranian government on a sustained basis for first time in decades has created a unique opportunity, a window, to try to resolve important issues. >>> also just in recent hours, the united states announcing new sanctions targeting over a dozen entities and viindividuals in in over recent missile tests. in addition to that, a new announcement of a $1.7 billion sum going to iran from the united states over a decades' long dispute over iranian assets frozen by the u.s. n

. >>> washington post reporter jason rezaian and four other americans are freed from iran. hello, i'm deborah. on this heels of conifer thags that iran has -- five hundred days and jason rezaian will soon be on his way out for switzerland. toasted the journalists release. >> to jason. >>reporter: cameras aren't normally inside of the trueman lounge, but members made an exception as they watched the minute by minute updates together ft the press club has been advocating for jason rezaian's freedom after they charged rezaian. they denied all accusations. >> it never needed to happen. >>reporter: he was one of four prisoners released. the other prisoners include saeed abedini, 32-year-old michigan marine veteran, amir, and nostratollah khosravi-roodsari. >> iran would like the world to behave to believe that it's changed. >>reporter: that was douglas, this past october, angry over the secrecy around his reporters then conviction. rezaian did not want an interview. we couldn't be happier to hear the news that jason rezaian has been released from the evin prison. applauded the release toda

being a spy and spend a year-and-a-half in an iranian prison. hear from jason rezaian's brother and how they different think he was being freed until his plan left iran. bay area man is reunited with his family. jason rezaian was part of a prisoner swap with the united states. he is now at american military hospital in germany. >>> and as john suzuki reports his brother has met with him face to face for the first time in more than a year-and-a-half. >> 39-year-old jason rezaian is now at this german hospital after being reunited with his family and two of his washington post editors. before seeing him and after talking with him several times, his brother was encouraged. >> he sounds strong and hopeful and all together which is great. i think it is going to be work but he will get better. >> reporter: the post editor says that jason rezaian told him about his isolated confinement in one of iran's prison and at one point was in solitary for 49 straight days and took months of secret negotiations to get him and three other americans released. in exchange southern iranian men were freed

. >>> breaking this morning. jason rezaian is now headed back to the united states. cnn's phil black is in landstuhl, germany. phil. >> reporter: christine, all three of those americans have now left the medical center here in landstuhl, germany. the medical center that specializes in treating, assessing and helping people who have undergone experience with these long ordeals and experienced the isolation, pressure and hardship these three men have received. they arrived here sunday night. over the course of the week, they have been assessed and deemed to be ready and able to return to the united states. >> looks like we lost phil's signal. you are seeing the pictures of the folks in captivity for so long. >> and the scenes of everybody getting off the plane. the statement from jason rezaian on his way back to the u.s. >> he may be ready to discuss his ordeal at some point, but for now, i want to express profound appreciation for the support i have received. i am humbled to learn all of the efforts undertaken on my behalf. and the marine, amir hekmati, accused of spying by the marine

and tall with my head held high. >> breaking in the last few minutes, jason rezaian, released by iran, now headed back to the united states. cnn's phil black is live in landstuhl, germany, where rezaian has been staying since regaining his freedom. phil, he is on the way back to the u.s. what's the latest? >> reporter: as you touched on there, it is happy breaking news. all three americans who were treated here and assessed physically and psychologically to determine whether or not they are up to getting the process of reintegrating into society. they all left. the last to leave is jason rezaian. he was detained in july 2014. he released a statement saying he is overjoyed to reconnect with his family. they are all traveling together back to the states. he talks about the plan from here. simply being relaxation and home cooked meals and movies and sports. he also went on to talk about his gratitude. i want to read you a specific quote. in it he says this, at some point i will be ready to discuss my ordeal, but for now, i just want to express my profound appreciation for the tremen

morning, jason rezaian is enjoying time with his wife, mom and brother. >> he actually knew how the warriors were doing, that is how >> in that notorious a rainy in prison, jason says he at one point spent 49 days in prison -- solitary confinement. he exercised in an eight foot by eight foot yard. amir hekmani describes being tortured by the revolutionary guard. >> he was in solitary confinement for a very long time. >> psychologists at this u.s. base are assessing the man' s state of mind. a representative of another prisoner tells nbc news that saeed has yet to see his family. another man, bob levinson is still missing in iran. iran has offered to help in the search for him. the air rainy and even tried to stop jason rezaian' s --iranian s even try to stop jason rezaian' s family from leaving. one representative tells me that both physically and spiritually, they are doing great. michelle: only wesh 2 was talking to a pastor about his member -- about the member of his congregation who was gunned down in burkina faso out. for al qaeda militants reportedly opened fire at a hotel and

jason rezaian has to say about his time behind bars in iran. "no i think i'll do great in iowa, i love iowa, i don't think iowa is going to care" plus -- the final gop debate before the iowa caucus. why the republican front-runner decided to a texas teen who spent weeks on the run in mexico -- is back in the u-s. ethan couch -- the so-called "affluenza" teen -- as sent back by mexican authorities earlier today - after dropping his appeal against deportation on wednesday. he was taken into custody at dallas fort-worth airport around noon. the 18-year old arrived in handcuffs and with a police escort. couch and his mother tonya were the subject of an international manhunt last month -- after he missed a mandatory meeting with his probation officer. couch was on probation after kiling four people in a drunk at the time. we're learning more about the time washington post reporter - jason rezaian - spent as a prisoner in iran. rezaian is one of five americans held prisoner in iran released just over a week ago. he is back in the u-s -- and spoke at a grand opening ceremony for the wash

keir simmons reports that their recovery will be a slow process. << this morning jason rezaian is enjoying time with his wife, mom and brother"! who says jason asked about baseball and his basketball team - the warriors - over dinner. ali rezaian/ jason rezaian's brother 'he actually knew how the warriors were doing, that's how big a fan he is, from evin prison he's been tracking them' in that notorious iranian prison"! jason says at one point he spent 49 days in solitary confinement. his only exercise - in an eight amir hekmati"! reunited with his sisters and brother in law"! describes being tortured by ir's revolutionary guard. dan kildee/ representativ e of michigan's 5th districthe was in solitary confinement in a one meter by one meter cell cell for a very longime and deprived of sleep.' psychologists at this u-s base are assessing the men's state of mind"! a representative of freed prisoner saeed abedini, jailed for three and a half years, tells nbc news saeed is yet to see his family... while ananher man"! former f-b-i agagt bob levinson is still missing in iran"! iran cons

"washington post" reporter jason rezaian convicted of espionage after a secret trial. confirming iran had dismantled parts of its nuclear program allowing the historic national agreement to move forward, a deal years in the making. abc's jonathan karl tonight with the stunning turn of events. >> reporter: the release of the american prisoners comes just as the nuclear deal with iran goes into effect, lifting sanctions and making tens of billions of dollars available to the iranian government. three of the americans released had been held prisoner for longer than the americans taken hostage in iran in 1979. former u.s. marine amir hekmati, held for more than four years, after an arrest on spying charges while visiting his grandmother in tehran. "washington post" bureau chief jason rezaian, held for a year and a half, after a closed trial and conviction on espionage charges. pastor saeed abedini, imprisoned since july for organizing home all three spent time at iran's notorious evin prison, where they were allegedly subjected to beatings, solitary confinement and psychological abuse. two ot

investigating. >>> other developing story. freedom for san rafael native jason rezaian held captive in iran. he worked for the "washington post" and was sentenced to an unspecified prison term for spying. both the "post" and rezaian deny the accusations. here's the latest developments. >> following secret negotiations for reportedly more than a year, u.s. officials have now confirmed that iran has freed five u.s. prisoners. four of the prisoners were part of an exchange involving seven iranians held by the united states on sanctions charges. one of the captives include "washington post" journalist jason rezaian, who has been held in an iranian prison on spy charges for almost 18 months. marine veteran ameer hekmati was detained in 2011. accused of espionage and other charges in 2012. christian pastor saeed an den any was arrested on charges of attempting to undermine the iranian government. details of the fourth prisoner are not immediately known. the news of the prisoner's release, major topic on the campaign trail saturday. >> i'm happy they're coming back. i will tell you, it's a disgrace th

post" reporter jason rezaian talks about the taste of freedom. say, "i'm a hell of a lot better than i was 48 hours ago. please let everybody know that my post family is high on my list and i hope to see everybody real soon. end quotes. it's been a worldwind weekend for the reporter and two other freed americans, after leaving iran they arrived in geneva switzerland and taken to a u.s. hospital. a fourth american is not on the fligt, not clear where he is and a fifth american, student is already headed home. much more on this developing story later in the newscast. >> i will not raise taxes on the middle class. i want to raise incomes, not tax taxes? hillary clinton with a promise for the middle class during the democratic debate you just saw. this is the final show down before voters have their say in iowa. brian moore has a wrap-up how the candidates did tonight. >> in their final debate at this pre-election season hillary clinton pounded bernie sanders on gun control. >> he voted to let guns go on to amtrak, guns go into national parks. he voted against doing research to figu

freed americans are washington post reporter jason rezaian, former u.s. marine amir haq mati saeed abedeni and knottralov khosravi. >>student matthew trevithick was also released as part of a separate agreement. >> they should be on their way home to their families. >> reporter: prisoner swap was announced hours before the united nations the international atomic agency certified that iran met his commitments with the nuke lalar deal with six world powers. >> iran has undertaken significant steps that many, and i do mean many people doubted that would come to pass. >> reporter: president obama lifted executive sanctions and that means iran can now sell oil on the open market. iran will have access to the global banking system and the country will recover $100 billion in frozen assets overseas. if it's discovered that iran is still moving ahead with its nuclear program the deal calls for sanctions to once again be imposed wendy gillette cbs news. >>> one of the men freed jason rezaian is from the bay area and we have reaction from his friends. >> reporter: this is what jason's friend

americans have left iran after spending time. among them is washington correspondent jason rezaian. we want to get more from derrick ward. >> reporter: of those -- right, exactly. of those folks who have been released, there are actually four but one may have decided to stay in iran. these are new developments coming in within the last hour. but we're hear outside the "washington post" because one of those people is a reporter for the post who was stationed in iran. he is indeed on his way home. jason rezaian had been held in tehran for about 545 days. he was charged with working to overthrow the government there. he, again, was released among five americans. one of them, a former marine, amir heck tani had been held for four years. there was a christian minister say media abedini who had been held for three years and nos trattou las cause ravi. we've been told he's not leaving. they all are released in exchange for clemency in exchange for seven iranians charged in the u.s. six had duo citizenship. now, i don't know what this will mean for the warming of relations with iran, but with

vienna shortly, but first paul brennan has this report. >> 39-year-old jason rezaian was arrested with his wife and two fortunate journalists in iran in 2014. his wife and colleagues were released but rezaian was put on trial on charges including he is pianoan. he grew up the son in southern california the of an iranian father and american mother. he has dual citizenship. the post said we couldn't be happier that jason has been released. once we have more details and can confirm that he has safely left iran, we'll have more to share. he was accused of collecting information and he was called a spy. but that's an accusation that his bosses at the "washington post" vigorously deny. nevertheless, the revolutionary court found him guilty of espionage and sentenced him to an unspecified prison term. reports say that his health has been detearating over recent weeks. he has had little access to his family and lawyers throughout his incarceration, the idea of a prison swap first emerged in august exchanging american prisoners for 19 iranian prisoners held in the u.s. still yet, the swap

jason rezaian freed from an iranian prison ten days ago. an emotional and humble jason rezaian hugged washington post publisher fred ryan and offered his profound gratitude to those who fought relentlessly for his freedom. >> for much of the 18 months i was in prison, my iranian interrogators told me the washington post did not exist. that no one knew of my plight. and that the united states government would not lift a finger for my release. >> reporter: this marked rezaian's first public appearance since his release of 545 days of captivity in iran. >> no other country would do so much for an ordinary citizen. >> reporter: this touched secretary of state john kerry. >> you can never leave anybody behind. the most sacred pledge. >> reporter: this wasn't just a celebration of a new home for the post. but of a free press. >> committing journalism. reporting on the truth, is not a crime. it is a badge of honor. it is is a public service. [ applause ] >> reporter: with rezaian an his family looking on, the washington post owner, amazon and the amazon owner, they dedicated the build. >> i

incredibly relieved. >> jason rezaian is safe and heading home. as iran and world powers eprepare to implement a landmark nuclear deal, in tehran, five national prisoners have been released. secretary of state john kerry said that the released prisoner include washington state jason rezaian. a pastor, a student and another man. >> it's just spectacular news. >> jason rezaian's does minute grew up with the journalist a in marin county, he says he's counting the days until he can see him again. >> i can't wait to see him. i i hope he's in good health. i know he's getting some medical attention so i'm really happy to hear that. >> today the head of schools told us she's relieved to learn that her former opportunity is safe. she said that jason often returned to the academy to share his experiences with the younger students. >> jason was known as a leader and a connector and someone who cared very deep by about people. he's a very thoughtful and engaging student. >> they're american citizens, iranian citizens who have unjustly been held and we know they haven't done anything wrong. it's