Iran confirmed on Monday its readiness to exchange prisoners with the United States, as part of a deal independent of the ongoing negotiations to revive the nuclear deal.
"We are ready to conclude a prisoner exchange deal with Washington outside the framework of nuclear negotiations," the Iranian Foreign Ministry said.
The United States has repeatedly called for the release of a number of Iranian-Americans detained in Tehran on security charges.
Iran also demanded the release of a number of Iranians detained on charges related to US sanctions.
"We affirm that the prisoner exchange with Washington is a separate issue and has nothing to do with the negotiating process aimed at reviving the 2015 agreement," said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani, adding that Tehran is ready to exchange prisoners.
On Monday, Iran accused the United States of "procrastinating" in indirect talks to revive the 2015 nuclear deal.
Kanaani said during a press conference, "The Americans are procrastinating and there is inaction on the European side. America and Europe need to reach an agreement more than Iran."
He added that Tehran wants a permanent agreement that preserves its legitimate rights.
"Until we agree on all issues, we cannot say that we have reached a complete agreement," he added.
"We are seeking a good agreement that guarantees Iran's national interests and will last for a long time," Kanaani said. "We will not be bitten from the same hole twice."