US welcomes reports that Iran has released political prisoners

The United States welcomes reports that the Iranian government has released several prisoners of conscience, including human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh, the State Department announced on Wednesday night. "President (Hasan) Rouhani pledged repeatedly during his campaign to restore and expand freedoms for all Iranians, and called for expanded political and social freedoms, including freedom of expression," said the statement from department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf. "In the months ahead, we hope he will continue to keep his promises to the Iranian people." "The United States will continue to urge the Iranian government to take steps to improve the country's human rights situation," Harf said. "Accordingly, we renew our call today for Iran to release all prisoners of conscience in its custody."