GENEVA (Reuters) – Switzerland confirmed its role on Thursday in the “humanitarian gesture” that led to the release of two detainees, American Michael White and Iranian Majid Taheri, saying it stood ready for “further facilitation” as a neutral intermediary.

White, a U.S. Navy veteran detained in Iran since 2018, was freed on Thursday and was on his way back home, his family and President Donald Trump said, while the Iranian-American physician will be allowed to visit Iran, his lawyer said.

In a statement, the Swiss foreign ministry said: “Switzerland confirms its role in the humanitarian gesture that took place today and led to the release of Mr. Michael Ray White and Mr. Majid Taheri. … Our country stands ready for further facilitation, in accordance with its long-lasting tradition of good offices.”