Are 'Iranians we are pardoning innocent too?' Questions abound after reported 7-for-4 swap with Iran

Doug P. | 12:29 PM on January 16, 2016

As we reported earlier, and the U.S. government has since confirmed, four American citizens being held in Iran have been released:

BREAKING: U.S. officials confirm to CNN that Jason Rezaian, Amir Hekmati, Saeed Abedini, and Nosratollah Khosrawi are being released today.

— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) January 16, 2016

The deal the Obama administration reportedly worked out includes the release of Iranians held by the U.S. government. More information about how many Iranian prisoners the U.S. will release is being reported:

#US officials confirm that Iran is releasing 4 American prisoners and the #US releasing 7 Iranians held for sanctions violations (Reuters)

— Sonia Dridi (@Sonia_Dridi) January 16, 2016

BREAKING: US official: US to pardon or drop charges against 7 Iranians in exchange for prisoner release.

— The Associated Press (@AP) January 16, 2016

Many questions and concerns are arising:

@AP Are the 7 Iranians we are pardoning innocent too?

— Succinct (@Succinct_1) January 16, 2016

https://twitter.com/Notorious_PAG/status/688396401684967424
https://twitter.com/xtriadx/status/688406712605224960

Hurray if our hostages in Iran come home

But another $$$ & terrorists deal?

How many enemies will Obama free?

https://t.co/M7uZOr5SWu

— Jim Hanson (@JimHansonDC) January 16, 2016

https://twitter.com/docmurdock/status/688398138592210945
https://twitter.com/tracieeeeee/status/688398273313288192