Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s family have thanked all those who helped her to be freed from an Iran prison after nearly six years, saying “you have made us whole”.
The mum-of-one was seen hugging and kissing her daughter Gabriella, 7, after she was met by her family on the runway of RAF Brize Norton, in Oxfordshire, with the plane carrying her home arriving just after 1am today.
Later the family published a tweet saying: “No place like home. Thank you to everyone who made this possible, to all the care and campaigning, and diplomatic efforts.
"You have made us whole.”
She, along with dual national Anoosheh Ashoori who has also been freed, were initially taken to the Gulf state of Oman, which has been closely involved in behind-the-scenes negotiations to secure their releases, before they were flown to the UK.
Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe, whose husband Richard has long campaigned for her release, left Iran with fellow British-Iranian Mr Ashoori, 67, on Wednesday after their release was secured.
She was detained for six years after being accused of plotting to overthrow the Iranian government while Mr Ashoori was held in Evin prison for almost five years, accused of spying.
Both have consistently and vigorously denied the allegations.
The pair smiled and chatted as they walked from the aircraft into a reception building at the airport.
Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who was wearing a navy dress and coat, with a bright yellow shawl and matching handbag, waved to the cameras, while Mr Ashoori, who was carrying a magazine, gave a salute and a peace sign.
He could be seen posing with two men through the windows of the cockpit.
An emotional video was shared live on Instagram by Mr Ashoori's daughter Elika as the pair disembarked the plane.
Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe's daughter Gabriella was heard asking "is that mummy?" and again shouted "mummy" as her mother walked down the plane's stairs.
Mr Ratcliffe shook Mr Ashoori's hand, as Gabriella appeared to run towards her mother, who was out of shot. She then carried the little girl in her arms as they were surrounded by other family members.
Mr Ashoori was then reunited with his family, who were in tears as they embraced,before Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe appeared in the video and hugged and kissed her daughter. She asked her "do I smell nice?" before holding her hands.
She also hugged members of the Ashoori family.
Sharing photographs from the flight on Twitter, Stephanie Al-Qaq, director for the Middle East and North Africa at the Foreign Office, said there was "relief and joy" as the British-Iranians and officials left Tehran.
