Khosravi's comments come after US Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook said on Wednesday that last week's prisoner exchange could lead to a broader discussion on consular affairs between Washington and Tehran.
"Prisoner swap was done without holding any negotiation and based on Iran's humanitarian approach. It is not start of any new path and is an end to difficult situation of innocent people who have been incarcerated by the United States' international banditry", Khosravi said, as quoted by Tehran Times newspaper.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted on 7 December that Iran and the United States were conducting the exchange of US-held Iranian scientist Massoud Soleimani and Chinese-American Princeton scholar Xiyue Wang detained in Iran.
Glad that Professor Massoud Soleimani and Mr. Xiyue Wang will be joining their families shortly. Many thanks to all engaged, particularly the Swiss government. pic.twitter.com/1TeZUL0CDG
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) December 7, 2019
We will not rest until we bring every American detained in Iran and around the world back home to their loved ones. We thank the Swiss government for facilitating the return of Mr. Wang, and are pleased the Iranian government has been constructive in this matter. (2/2)
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) December 7, 2019
On Monday, Zarif said that his country was ready for a comprehensive prisoner swap with the United States, adding that "the ball is in the US court".
After getting our hostage back this week, fully ready for comprehensive prisoner exchange.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) December 9, 2019
The ball is in the US’ court.
Today, back to regional diplomacy in Istanbul, at the Ministerial Heart of Asia mtg, joining forces for peace & development in Afghanistan.#NeighborsFirst pic.twitter.com/dJw05JYM7X
Relations between the United States and Iran are strained over several issues, including Washington's exit from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and its claims that Tehran attacked oil facilities in Saudi Arabia in September, which the Yemeni Houthi rebels have taken responsibility for.
