Cecilia Sala, an Italian journalist detained in Iran last month, has been released and is en route back to Rome, according to the Italian government.

Sala, 29, was arrested on December 19, just days after Italian authorities in Milan apprehended an Iranian engineer suspected of supplying drone technology implicated in the deaths of U.S. soldiers. Reports indicate that Sala had been held in solitary confinement at Tehran’s infamous Evin prison.

While the exact circumstances surrounding her release remain unclear, the news was confirmed by officials from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office, who credited “intensive diplomatic and intelligence efforts.” In the official statement, Meloni expressed gratitude to all those involved in facilitating Sala’s return and personally informed her parents of the development. Sala’s flight had already departed Tehran and was expected to land in Rome at 15:30 local time on Wednesday, as reported by the Ansa news agency.

Sala’s partner, fellow journalist Daniele Raineri, told Ansa that he had spoken with her, and she expressed her joy, saying, “I’ll see you soon.”

Her detention had sparked outrage in Italy and dominated media coverage, especially after her employer, Chora Media, revealed her arrest on December 27. Meloni is believed to have closely managed the case, meeting with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump during the weekend, where the situation may have been discussed. Outgoing President Joe Biden is expected to visit Rome later this week.

Initially, Iran cited a “violation of the Islamic Republic’s laws” as the reason for Sala’s detention, but U.S. State Department officials speculated that it may be linked to the arrest of Mohammad Abedini, an Iranian national, at Milan’s Malpensa airport on December 16. Abedini, wanted by the U.S., is set to appear in court in Milan on January 15. Some have suggested that Sala’s detention could have been part of a political maneuver by Iran.

Giovanni Caravelli, the head of Italy’s foreign intelligence service, is reported to have traveled to Tehran personally to ensure Sala’s safe return.

Sala’s father, Renato, expressed pride in his daughter’s resilience and praised the Italian government’s efforts, describing the situation as a “chess game” involving multiple players.