An Iran-backed Iraqi group, Kataeb Hezbollah, released U.S. journalist Shelly Kittleson a week after she was kidnapped in Baghdad.

The group said her release was conditional on her leaving Iraq immediately and described it as a one-time gesture.

The announcement came shortly before a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran following over a month of conflict.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed her release and said efforts were underway to ensure her safe departure, the AFP has reported.

The kidnapping highlights ongoing security risks in Iraq despite improvements in recent years.