Iran 'about to free' US hikers jailed for spying

Shane Bauer (left) and Joshua Fattal said they strayed into Iran accidentally

Two US men jailed for eight years in Iran for spying last month could be released on Wednesday after bail is posted, their lawyer says.

Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal were held in 2009 after crossing into Iran from Iraq, where they said they were hiking.
Lawyer Masoud Shafii said the pair when released, would be handed over to the Swiss embassy in Tehran, which represents US interests in Iran.
Iran's judiciary set bail at five billion rials ($400,000), reports said.
"I have got necessary signatures from judiciary officials for their release on bail. Hopefully the two will be freed today," Mr Shafii told Reuters. State media quoted him as saying the handover would take place at 1500 local time (1030 GMT).
Bauer and Fattal have always maintained they strayed into Iran accidentally while walking in the poorly-marked border region. A third American, Sarah Shourd - who was arrested with them - was freed on bail last year on humanitarian grounds and returned home.