Report: Iranian Minister Supports Release Of Jailed U.S. Citizens

Shane Bauer (left) and Josh Fattal

Iran's Fars news agency quotes Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi as saying he hopes the trial of two U.S. citizens jailed in Iran on spying charges "will proceed in a manner that will result in their freedom."

Officials say a verdict from the trial of U.S. citizens Shane Bauer, Josh Fattal, and Sarah Shourd, arrested near the Iran-Iraq border two years ago, will be announced soon.

The three Americans have pleaded not guilty, saying they unknowingly strayed across the border while hiking.

Shourd has been tried in absentia after paying roughly $500,000 for the bail required for her release on medical grounds in September 2010.

No official date has been given for the release of the verdict.

compiled from agency reports