It is possible Iran may release one of the American hostages soon.  Iranian news agencies today are reporting that an Iranian citizen, Ahmad Khalili, detained in Germany for violation of U.S. sanctions and facing extradition to the U.S., was freed and returned to Iran with FM Zarif on Sunday evening.  FM Spokesman Abbas Mousavi on Monday said Khalili was released after intense diplomatic negotiations and with “cooperation of the judiciary and IRGC Intelligence Organization”.  The American hostages in Iran include retired FBI agent Robert Levinson, environmentalist Morad Tahbaz, Baquer Namazi and his son Siamak Namazi, and Navy veteran Michael White.  See “Iranian Accused of Violating U.S. Sanctions Returns Home From Germany,” Reuters, New York Times, February  17, 2020.

“Iran’s parliament speaker says keen to maintain sound ties with Lebanon,” Xinhua, February 17, 2020.  Keeping Lebanon in good relation with Iran is key to Iran’s Shia Crescent project.  This article doesn’t say, and you have to read between the lines, much about the multiple years of efforts by Iran through Hezbollah to influence and control Lebanon’s Parliament and highest government officials.  In fact, when Iran’s speaker mentions Lebanon’s speaker, it is not in a friendly manner of good relations as most countries think of others; instead “sound ties” means “firm bonds” controlled by Iran.

“Critics Say Negative References To Russia Omitted From Iranian Textbooks,” Radio Farda, February 17, 2020.

“Oman Sees Prospects of Talks Between Iran and U.S.,” Golnar Motevalli and Abbas Al Lawati, Bloomberg, February 16, 2020.