Minnesota-native Shane Bauer, Josh Fattal spending time with families

After two years in an Iranian prison Americans Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal were released and reunited with their families in Oman. Their freedom comes after posting a total $1 million bail. The deal finally came together after multiple starts and stops and a power struggle between Iran's top political and religious leaders.

Author:: BMTN Staff
Updated:: Mar 8, 2018
Original:: Sep 22, 2011

After two years in an Iranian prison, Americans Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal have been released.

The Associated Press reports the two were flown to Oman, where they ran into the arms of their families -- along with Sarah Shourd, who was arrested with the two men but released earlier.

USA Today reports President Barack Obama says the Bauer and Fattal families 'won [his] admiration' because of their tireless advocacy since their sons were arrested by Iranian security forces in July 2009 and held on espionage charges. The president urged 'all Americans to join their families and friends in celebrating their long-awaited return home.'

In a joint statement, Sens. Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar say they're 'overjoyed' by Bauer, a Minnesota native, and his friend Fattal's release.

The New York Times reports their freedom comes with a $1 million price tag. Each were released on $500,000 bail. The deal finally came together after multiple starts and stops and a power struggle between Iran’s top political and religious leaders.

Former Iranian detainee and Fargo, ND native Roxana Saberi says it may take some time for Bauer and Fattal to adjust to being free. She tells MPR News it took her a year for her new reality to sink in.