IRAN INTERNATIONAL -- Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced on X Wednesday: "Diplomacy and teamwork: Cecilia Sala is coming home!"

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also tweeted Wednesday that Sala has been released and is on a plane returning home.

Earlier, the Italian newspaper La Stampa reported that Sala had been moved out of solitary confinement and was sharing a cell with another person.

Cecilia Sala, a 29-year-old newspaper journalist and podcaster, was arrested in Iran last month on unspecified charges despite holding a valid press pass. She was placed in solitary confinement, sparking international concern.

A source familiar with discussions between Sala's family and the Italian government revealed to Iran International that Tehran has linked her release to Italy's handling of an Iranian detainee. Iran reportedly signaled that Sala's freedom depends on the release of Mohammad Abedini Najafabadi, a 38-year-old Iranian arrested by Italian authorities at the request of the United States. Abedini is accused of providing technology used in a drone attack that killed three US soldiers in Jordan.

The source indicated that Iran is prepared to release Sala “on humanitarian grounds” if Italy halts extradition proceedings against Abedini and frees him from Milan's La Opera prison.

In response, the Italian Foreign Ministry has demanded Sala's “immediate release” and “full assurances regarding her conditions of detention.”

Italian media reported that during New Year’s Day calls to her family, Sala described harsh conditions in detention. She said her prescription glasses had been confiscated, her cell was barely larger than her height, and she was forced to sleep on a blanket spread on the floor.

The case underscores the growing tension between Rome and Tehran as diplomatic efforts continue to secure Sala’s safe return.

Photo: Reuters