The Iranian side does not rule out reaching an agreement on the exchange of prisoners with the United States, but this issue should be discussed separately from the nuclear deal, said at a press conference by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Said Khatibzadeh.

With regard to the situation of Iranian citizens who are [in prisons] in the United States, we have stated our concern on this issue from the first day. This topic remains on our agenda, however, it is natural that these are different issues (we are talking about the exchange of prisoners and returning to the nuclear deal), he said. The diplomat added that if the opposite side shows a desire, then an agreement on both issues is possible as soon as possible, TASS reports.

Earlier, State Department Special Representative for Iran Robert Malley said in an interview with Reuters that Washington is unlikely to conclude an agreement with Tehran on a nuclear deal if the Iranian side does not release four US citizens. According to the Americans, the Islamic Republic is holding these people hostage.