Five Iranian diplomats, taken hostage in the Iraqi city of Arbil, have been released, said the Iranian Ambassador to Baghdad, Hassan Kazemi Qumi, Fars news agency reported.

"Five Iranian diplomats, taken hostage by the United States, have been released. After a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki, the Iranian diplomats will be handed over to the Iranian embassy in Baghdad," Kazemi Qumi said.

The Iranian diplomats were taken hostage by the U.S. forces in the Iraqi city of Arbil Jan. 11 in 2007.