US-Iran prisoner swap: has Biden given in to blackmail?

Republicans condemn $6bn deal but it could de-escalate rising tensions between the two nations

Joe Biden
Joe Biden's $6bn deal with Iran has been condemned by some Republicans as 'a ransom payment and sanctions relief'
(Image credit: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

The US and Iran are completing an exchange-of-prisoners deal that analysts say could "open the door" to a de-escalation of tensions between the two nations. 

Five American-Iranian dual nationals are due to be released today following a year of careful negotiations mediated by the Gulf state of Qatar. The US will also free five Iranians held in US prisons on charges of violating US sanctions.

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