Sala’s arrest in Tehran last month had sparked fears of a lengthy hostage crisis. Italy is expected to free Iranian businessman, wanted by the U.S., as part of a deal.

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala arrived in Rome on Wednesday after she was released from the Iranian prison. Italian PM Giorgia Meloni attributes Sala's return to intense work on diplomatic and intelligence channels.

Italian journalist and podcaster Cecilia Sala has been freed from detention in an Iranian prison, Italy’s government has confirmed. The office of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has said she is on a flight back to Italy,