Iran's judiciary has ordered the release of Mehdi Karroubi, an 87-year-old opposition leader who had been under house arrest for 14 years, Jamaran news agency reported on March 17.

The decision to release the ageing cleric comes as the current Pezeshkian administration promised to push for the release of political prisoners in the country. However, it always remained an open question whether the two original leaders of the so-called "green movement" protests which rocked the government would be part of that push. Karroubi's release also comes as Iran is believed to be negotiating through regional neighbours and Russia with the US over sanctions and regional position. 

The news was announced by his son, Hossein Karroubi, who revealed that security officials had met his father on March 16 to inform him of the judiciary's decision to lift his house arrest.

"However, due to security and protective measures, officers will remain at your residence until 9 April," they reportedly told him.

Mir Hossein Mousavi, another prominent opposition leader now aged 83, and his wife, Zahra Rahnavard, are also expected to be freed in the coming months. The three were placed under house arrest in 2010 for their roles in leading protests against the results of the 2009 presidential election.

Karroubi and Mousavi, both representing the reformist faction, had contested the election results, which saw hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad re-elected. Allegations of electoral fraud sparked widespread protests, culminating in the Green Movement.

Karroubi called for the release of his political allies: "I recommend that you lift the house arrest of Mr Mousavi and Mrs Rahnavard as soon as possible," he urged. Security officials assured him that a similar process would be applied to Mousavi and his wife in the coming months.

This latest development represents a significant win for Pezeshkian, who promised moderation and the promotion of consensus across political factions.

Despite facing criticism, Pezeshkian has delivered on several campaign promises, including blocking the implementation of a parliamentary law on hijab that triggered widespread protests in 2022 and lifting bans on WhatsApp and Google Play.