The Italian government said it secured the release of its citizen Cecilia Sala, who had been detained in Iran since last month, following diplomatic efforts.

Ms Sala was detained last December in Iran in what looked like a retaliatory move by the Iranian government following the arrest of an Iranian engineer for supplying drone technology.

The arrest of the Iranian citizen, who is accused of being complicit in the drone attack that killed U.S. soldiers, came three days prior to the arrest of Ms Sala and was reportedly held in solitary confinement until her release.

Officials of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni broke the news, noting that Ms Sala’s release was secured through “intense work through diplomatic and intelligence channels.”

Ms Meloni also thanked “all those who contributed to making Cecilia’s return possible”. However, she did not provide details about the deal Italy struck with Iranian authorities to secure Ms Sala’s release.

Ms Sala was due to arrive back in Italy on Wednesday evening. “I spoke to her and she told me ‘I’ll see you soon,’ she was emotional and overjoyed,” said her partner Daniele Raineri, who is also a journalist.