The Washington Post isn't ready to blame the Obama administration for failing to push for the release of Post reporter Jason Rezaian and other Americans as part of the nuclear deal with Iran.

In an editorial published Thursday night, the Post said it "may have been appropriate" to exclude Rezaian's release from negotiations with Iran, but that the country should set him free regardless.

"Though U.S. officials have raised Mr. Rezaian's case and [President] Obama publicly called for his release, his case and those of the other Americans were not part of the nuclear negotiation," wrote the Post. "While that may have been appropriate, Mr. Rezaian's release should be a condition for any further improvement in relations. If the Rouhani government wishes to show that it can cooperate with the West on matters beyond its nuclear program, let it start by freeing Jason Rezaian."

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Rezaian was arrested nearly a year ago and is currently on trial for espionage charges.

Some criticized Obama for not tying the release of the Americans to the controversial deal.

At a press conference on Wednesday, CBS News reporter Major Garrett asked Obama to explain "why you are content with all the fanfare around this deal to leave the conscience of this nation ... unaccounted for in relation to these four Americans?"

The president, clearly perturbed, said, "That's nonsense and you should know better."