Iran (AP):

An American journalist imprisoned on espionage charges in Iran for four months was freed yesterday and reunited with her smiling, tearful parents, who prepared to return home with her to the US in the coming days.

The release of Roxana Saberi clears a major obstacle to President Barack Obama's attempts at a dialogue with the top US adversary in the Middle East. Washington had called the charges against the 32-year-old dual Iranian-American citizen baseless and repeatedly demanded her release.

Hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad could also win some domestic political points a month before he faces a re-election challenge from reformers who seek to ease Iran's bitter rivalry with the United States.

Saberi's Iranian-born father, Reza Saberi, wiped away tears, then flashed a broad smile as he and his wife, Akiko, arrived at Tehran's Evin prison, notorious for holding political prisoners to meet their daughter. Akiko Saberi, who is of Japanese origin, wore a flowered headscarf.

"I'm very happy that she is free. Roxana is in good condition," Reza Saberi said later at his family home in Tehran. "We had expected her release, but not so soon. She will be preparing to leave (Iran) tomorrow (Tuesday) or the day after tomorrow."