Donald Trump gives himself some credit for the release of the Americans held in Iran. | AP Photo Trump: I might deserve credit for Iran detainees' release

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Donald Trump says there may be something more to the recent release of American prisoners held by Iran than meets the eye. And that something is Donald Trump.

“I’ve been hitting them hard, and I think I might’ve had something to do with it,” said Trump at a campaign stop on Saturday, hours after four American prisoners long held in Iran were freed.


On the campaign trail, Trump has often criticized the Obama administration for failing to secure the release of those prisoners in its negotiations with the country.

“It’s part of my staple thing,” said Trump. “You know, I go crazy when I hear about this. You go absolutely wild, because how is it possible? We have one who’s in there who’s a reporter for the Washington Post. He didn’t do anything wrong by the way.”

Trump said he remained dissatisfied with the release of the prisoners. “It should’ve taken place three and a half four years ago,” he said, adding, “It should’ve been done right at the beginning.”

Trump also said the deal — in which the United States granted clemency to seven Iranians and dismissed charges against 14 others — was not a good one for the U.S.