Iran freed former United States Marine Amir Mirza Hekmati and four other American detainees (including Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian) Saturday in a swap, according to both U.S. and Iranian officials. In exchange, the Middle Eastern power had seven people charged or imprisoned by the U.S. handed over to them, and saw Interpol “red notices” (arrest warrants) dropped for 14 fugitives wanted by the West.

The trade was linked to the monumental nuclear deal between Tehran and six other countries that just officially went into effect. Economic and other sanctions on Iran were also lifted this weekend.

This from the Washington Post:

Secretary of State John F. Kerry, speaking after signing documents related to implementing the nuclear accord, said the United States received confirmation that five Americans “who have been unjustly detained” in Iran were released and “should be on their way home to their families before long — shortly.” He said long-standing U.S. efforts to free them were “accelerated” thanks to diplomatic channels opened with Iran by the nuclear talks.

“Today marks the first day of a safer world,” Kerry said.

Besides Hekmati and Rezaian — who were both accused by Iran of spying — the other prisoners released to the U.S. were Christian pastor Saeed Abedini of Boise, Idaho, businessman Nosratollah Khosravi-Roodsari and student Matthew Trevithick.

It’s been reported that Trevithick has already left the country. Hekmati, Rezaian, Abedini and Khosravi-Roodsari are waiting to board a Swiss plane.

More on the former Marine from the Marine Corps Times:

Hekmati, of Flint, Michigan, was detained in August 2011 on espionage charges. Hekmati went to Iran to visit family and spend time with his ailing grandmother.

Hekmati’s lawyer, Mahmoud Alizadeh Tabatabaei, said Hekmati called him earlier Saturday from prison.

“He told me that judiciary officials have called for a meeting with him. But I’ve not been formally informed if he is free now,” he said, adding that negotiations for the prisoners’ release has been going on for the past two months.

Hekmati’s family released a statement saying: “We thank everyone for your thoughts during this time. There are still many unknowns. At this point, we are hoping and praying for Amir’s long-awaited return.”

The Michigan native served in the USMC from 2001 to 2005, when he was discharged as a sergeant. While deployed as a translator in Iraq, he was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon.