Italian journalist Cecilia Sala arrived in Rome on Wednesday after she was released from the Iranian prison. Italian PM Giorgia Meloni attributes Sala's return to intense work on diplomatic and intelligence channels.

Sala’s arrest in Tehran last month had sparked fears of a lengthy hostage crisis. Italy is expected to free Iranian businessman, wanted by the U.S., as part of a deal.

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, who was detained in Iran nearly three weeks ago, was released by Iranian authorities on Wednesday and has returned to Italy. The 29-year-old was flown back to Rome on an Italian Air Force plane.