I see the time spent in Iranian custody hasn’t dampened their far-left views.

MUSCAT, Oman (CBS/AP) — After more than two years in Iranian custody, two Americans convicted as spies took their first steps toward home Wednesday as they bounded down the steps of a private jet and into the arms of family for a joyful reunion in the Gulf State of Oman.

The families waited on the tarmac at a royal airfield near the main international airport in Oman’s capital, Muscat. Also returning to Oman was Sarah Shourd, who was arrested with Bauer and Fattal but freed a year ago. She received a marriage proposal from Bauer while in prison.

“Today can only be described as the best day of our lives. We have waited for nearly 26 months for this moment and the joy and relief we feel at Shane and Josh’s long-awaited freedom knows no bounds. We now all want nothing more than to wrap Shane and Josh in our arms, catch up on two lost years and make a new beginning, for them and for all of us,” the hikers’ families said earlier in a statement.

At about 20 minutes before midnight, Fattal and Bauer — wearing jeans and casual shirts — raced down the steps from the blue-and-white plane. They made no statements to reporters before walking into the airport terminal building, which was guarded by security officials. The men appeared thin, but in good health.

“We’re so happy we are free,” Fattal told reporters in Oman. The two men made brief statements before leaving the airport with their families.

“Two years in prison is too long,” Bauer said, and hoped their release from prison will also bring “freedom for political prisoners in America and Iran.”