The speaker of Iran’s parliament, Ali Larijani, hints that Iran might consider freeing reporter Jason Rezaian.

In an interview with the US radio NPR, Ali Larijani said there are "practical" ways to liberate Rezaian and other American prisoners in Iran.

“For example, there is a number of Iranians in prison here [in the U.S.].” he said. “Definitely for matters of this sort, one can come up with solutions. I think your politicians know about those ways.”

Larijani made the comments Thursday in New York, where he is attending a global conference of parliamentary speakers.

Though Larijani's doesn’t have direct authority over Rezaian, he is close to those who do: His brother, Sadeq Larijani, is head of the Iranian judiciary.

The comments came after Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Hassan Ghashghavi, last week denied any plan to trade the Washington Post reporter.

"An exchange of Jason Rezaian is not on the agenda. Each of the issues has their own separate case," Ghashghavi was quoted saying by local news agencies.

The Iranian-American Washington Post reporter has been held for 13 months in Iran on espionage charges. His final hearing was held on August 10, and he is now awaiting a verdict in his trial.

Read the full interview with Ali Larijani via NPR.

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