Iraq, Oman Ask Iran to Release Jailed Americans

Mediators from Iraq and Oman are asking Iran to release two Americans convicted of spying.

Omani officials say a plane from the Gulf state is in Iran's capital to carry the pair out of the country if a bail-for-freedom deal is reached. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari says his country's leaders have urged Iran to release the Americans on humanitarian grounds.

Zebari says “everybody is now waiting for the next Iranian move to put an end to this issue.”

Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal were detained along the Iran-Iraq border in July 2009 along with their friend Sarah Shourd. She was released last September with mediation by Oman after $500,000 was paid.

They maintain their innocence.