US Secretary of State Antony Blinken defended the decision to release five Iranians and unfreeze nearly $6 billion in Iranian assets in exchange for the release of five Americans detained in Iran. Blinken acknowledged concerns that the deal may encourage hostage-taking but emphasized that over 30 Americans have been unjustly detained worldwide and are now home as a result of these decisions. He stated that the US is working with international partners to establish clearer international laws against political hostage-taking and to impose collective consequences on countries engaging in such practices. The released money does not include any US tax dollars and will be closely monitored for humanitarian use.

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