Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi announced on Sunday that one of two Japanese nationals previously detained in Iran has been released and is currently en route back to Japan.

The individual, whose identity has not been made public, was freed this past Wednesday.

Speaking during a political broadcast on Fuji Television, Minister Motegi confirmed that the release followed a series of "strong calls" made to his Iranian counterpart, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

According to reports from Jiji Press, the individual had been in Iranian custody since June and the release was granted after Iranian authorities determined the person's designated jail term had concluded.

Despite this breakthrough, a second Japanese national remains in detention in Iran.

While the Foreign Minister declined to provide specific details or confirm the identity of the remaining detainee, Japanese media have previously reported on the January 20 arrest of the Tehran bureau chief for Japan’s public broadcaster, NHK.

It is widely believed that this individual is being held in a facility known for housing political inmates.

"As for the other person, we are staying in touch with the person’s family and we are working to secure the person’s early release," Motegi stated during the program.

The Japanese government spokesperson had previously confirmed a detention in late January but has consistently declined to elaborate on the charges or the professional background of the citizen involved.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that securing the safety and return of all citizens abroad remains a top priority, especially as regional tensions continue to impact international diplomatic relations.

Source: AFP