UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Sunday welcomed the news that a number of Americans detained in Iran, including a Washington Post journalist, have been released along with a number of Iranians held by the United States, ABC News reported.

In a statement, Ban commended "moves by the governments of both countries to improve ties."

He added that he was "heartened by the lifting of sanctions against Iran" as part of a landmark nuclear deal reached last year.

He says "now is the moment to push the cooperation on other pressing challenges through dialogue, which should continue to guide the way toward a safer future."

Source: MENA