Oman to Seek Hikers' Release

Oman is sending a delegation to Iran today with the goal of securing the release of the remaining two US hikers still imprisoned. Citing a hardline Iranian newspaper report, the AP says hopes are high that the Omanis might return home with Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal—especially given their success in negotiating the release of Sarah Shourd.

Iran has seemingly softened its stance on the hikers, with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad last week telling Shourd in New York that he hopes Bauer and Fattal can give evidence "they had no ill intention in crossing the border," but that it was up to the judicial system. The Americans' Iranian lawyer said he wasn't aware of the Omanis' trip. (More Josh Fattal stories.)