Navy veteran Michael White speaks exclusively to Rich Edson in Zurich, Switzerland following his release from captivity in Iran.

Navy veteran Michael White arrived back in the U.S.

authorities after being released by Iranian officials. White told Fox News he slept for a few hours on the trans-Atlantic flight after enjoying a steak dinner.

President Trump welcomed White back to America in a Twitter message early Friday.

US NAVY VETERAN DETAINED IN IRAN IS FREED, FOX NEWS ON THE GROUND FOR ZURICH TRANSFER.

Trump has said his goal is to pursue a replacement deal that would better protect U.S.

enacted economic sanctions against Iran in retaliation for its nuclear enrichment activity that resumed after Trump announced withdrawal from the 2015 deal.

official told Fox News that as part of the deal to free White, the U.S.

Fox News was at the scene in Zurich on Thursday when White arrived from Tehran for transfer.

Speaking to Fox News exclusively after landing, White expressed his appreciation to the president, whom he spoke to by phone after landing.

Asked about his health, White said he was “improving” but was sick with COVID-19 while in prison.

In March, White, who has battled cancer and other illnesses, was initially released on a medical furlough, but he was still ordered to stay in Iran at the time.

Officials say they’re still working to free other American citizens in Iran like Siamak Namazi, a businessman; his father Baquer Namazi; and Morad Tahbaz, an American environmentalist; as well as secure the remains of former FBI agent Robert Levinson