Iranian rapper and activist Toomaj Salehi has been released from prison more than two years after his lyrics and support of massive women's rights demonstrations that swept the country following the death in police custody of Mahsa Amini saw him jailed and eventually sentenced to death,

Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi has avoided a death sentence and been unexpectedly set free from prison after nearly two years, according to his family.

A U.S. source familiar with the matter said White House officials discussed an overture with Emirati officials, citing the UAE's interest in financing Syria's reconstruction and Assad's "weakened position" after Israel's offensive against Hezbollah.

The US has discussed lifting sanctions on Syria if it cuts ties with Iran and blocks weapons smuggling routes to Hezbollah.

Talks have intensified in light of the Dec. 20 expiration of sweeping US sanctions on Syria and Israel’s ongoing campaign targeting Iranian-backed networks in the region.