Iran deal a vindication of "strong American diplomacy": Obama

U.S. President Barack Obama on Sunday hailed the full implementation of an international nuclear accord with Iran and the release of Americans held prisoner in the Islamic Republic as a vindication of "strong American diplomacy".

"Today is a good day," Obama said in a White House speech. "When Americans are freed and returned to their families, that's something we can all celebrate."

A charter plane has left Tehran for Switzerland with the Americans, reports said.

The release of the four Americans, including a Washington Post reporter, Jason Rezaian, is part of a prisoner swap between Iran and the United States.

U.S. media said Washington would either pardon or drop charges against seven Iranians in exchange for the Americans.

"Engaging directly with the Iranian government to sustain basis for the first time in decades has created a unique opportunity, a window, to try to resolve important issues," Obama said.

The president's speech came at a time when his government is lifting billions of dollars in international sanctions on Iran as part of the international nuclear accord.

The P5+1 group, namely the U.S., Britain, France, China, Russia and Germany, reached the comprehensive nuclear deal with Iran on July 14, 2015. The accord, known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, would provide sanctions relief for Iran in exchange for limits on its controversial nuclear program.

Talking to the people of Iran, Obama said, "For decades your government's threats and actions to destabilize the region has isolated Iran from much of the world. Now our governments are talking to each other."

On Saturday, Obama signed an executive order to lift sanctions on Iran after international inspectors concluded that Iran has dismantled large parts of its nuclear program as promised.

However, hours after the release of Americans, the Obama administration also announced new sanctions Sunday on individuals and 11 entities involved in Tehran's ballistic missile program.

"We will continue to enforce these sanctions vigorously," Obama said. "We are going to remain vigilant about it."

Also on Sunday, U.S. announced that Iran will receive 1.7 billion U.S. dollars in debt and interest as Obama pledged that it is time to solve the financial disputes between the two countries.

Iran will receive 400 million dollars Trust Fund and roughly 1.3 billion dollars compromise on the interest.

In 1981, the Iran-U.S. Claims tribunal was established in The Hague to settle debts between the two countries.

Obama said the settlement between the U.S. and Iran at the Hague would save U.S. money. There was no point in dragging out that dispute, he said. Enditem