US, Iran in Talks on American Hostages

Over the last week, Washington and Tehran have exchanged a few messages through a third party. The message from the US administration is said to congratulate Iran for accepting the ceasefire and to seek the help of Iranians officials to secure the safe release of the US citizens held hostage in Lebanon.Iranian leaders have publicly said that they would use their influence over Hezbollah if the US returns Iranian assets frozen following the Islamic revolution.Fearful that such agreement would resurrect the memories of the Iran-Contras, the Reagan administration immediately rejected such a demand. But Secretary of State George P. Shultz that he was ready to meet with Iran foreign minister Ali Akbar Velayati.Velayati is currently in New York to discuss the ceasefire with the UN secretary general. Read full story