In a significant development, Iran has released Belgian aid worker Olivier Vandecasteele after 455 days of imprisonment in Tehran. The release came as part of a prisoner swap agreement between Iran and Belgium, as confirmed by the government of Oman, which facilitated the exchange.

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo expressed relief at Mr. Vandecasteele's release and described his imprisonment in Tehran as "unbearable conditions." The Belgian aid worker had been detained on charges of espionage, which both he and the Belgian government vehemently denied.

Meanwhile, Oman, acting as a mediator, did not disclose the identity of the Iranian prisoner freed by Belgium in exchange for Vandecasteele's release. However, it is known that Iran had been seeking the return of diplomat Assadollah Assadi, who had been imprisoned by Belgium two years ago. Assadi was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being found guilty of orchestrating an attempted attack on a rally of an exiled Iranian opposition group in France. Iran has consistently claimed that the plot was fabricated.

The release of Vandecasteele is seen as a positive development in the diplomatic relations between Belgium and Iran. The prisoner swap underscores the ongoing dialogue and negotiations between the two nations to resolve contentious issues and promote mutual understanding.

The Belgian aid worker's case has received international attention and raised concerns about arbitrary detentions and human rights abuses. Vandecasteele's release marks a crucial step toward justice for him and his family, who have tirelessly advocated for his freedom.

As Olivier Vandecasteele begins his journey back home, the focus now shifts to the remaining challenges in diplomatic relations between Belgium and Iran. Efforts will likely continue to address the demands for the return of Assadollah Assadi, whose case has strained relations between Iran and European nations.