Speculation grows over Israel-Iran prisoner swap in Iraq
According to webangah News Agency,three informed sources,including an Iraqi government official,told the London-based Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat that talks to secure Tsurkov’s release—a Russian-Israeli dual citizen detained in Iraq—are now in their final phase,with only her physical liberation remaining.
One source told the newspaper: “The negotiations were lengthy and arduous but ultimately resulted in an agreement involving ransom payments,” though no further details were disclosed.
Asharq Al-Awsat, citing what it described as a knowledgeable source on the negotiation process, reported that the group responsible for Tsurkov’s detention agreed to her release in exchange for individuals with documented histories of targeting U.S.interests in the region.
The Iraqi source did not specify the identities of those to be released but confirmed: “One of them is Iranian.”
A second source told Asharq Al-Awsat: “The final agreement has been settled with all terms approved. The only remaining step is Tsurkov’s actual release.”
The Saudi newspaper noted that a media official from iraq’s National security Advisory body claimed no knowledge of such a deal and declined to comment on reports about Tsurkov’s potential freedom.
However, another Iraqi security official stated: “As of now, Tsurkov’s release has not yet been carried out.”
The report coincides with claims by unofficial media outlets that parallel negotiations are underway to free Mohammad Reza Nouri—a member of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) detained by U.S. forces in Iraq two years ago on what Tehran calls baseless charges.
Those outlets alleged Nouri and several Iraqi nationals imprisoned over alleged involvement in killing American citizen Steven Edward Troell coudl be part of a prisoner exchange for Tsurkov.
