Iraq joins talks to help free US hikers in Iran

MUSCAT, Oman - Arab countries Oman and Iraq are involved in negotiations for the release of two Americans jailed in Iran for spying.

A private plane from the Gulf state of Oman has been dispatched to Tehran and an Iraqi official says a delegation of lawmakers is in the Iranian capital amid intensified efforts to seal a $1 million bail-for-freedom deal for Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal.

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They were detained along the Iran-Iraq border in July 2009 with their friend Sarah Shourd. She was released last September with mediation by Oman.

Their defense lawyer says talks are under way, but there is no timetable on a possible release.

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The Iraqi official spoke on condition of anonymity due to sensitivity of the issue.