Tehran is in close contact with Brussels over the case of Assadollah Assadi, an Iranian diplomat currently serving a 20-year prison sentence in Belgium on terrorism charges, Iran’s foreign ministry said. “Dialogue and political consultations with the Belgian authorities [over Assadi’s case] are ongoing,” Iranian state media quoted foreign ministry spokesman Naser Kanani as saying. “There is close communication and consultation with the Belgian government,” he said, adding: “With the actions that have taken place and the efforts that we have made so far, we hope that we will soon witness the release of this valuable Iranian diplomat.” (https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2022/07/13/Iran-says-in-talks-with-Belgium-for-release-of-diplomat-convicted-of-terrorism) Last week, Belgian lawmakers gave initial clearance to a controversial prisoner exchange treaty with Iran that could lead to Assadi’s release. The prisoner swap treaty would allow Belgium and Iran to exchange jailed nationals.