WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. government officials have handed over a silver griffin-shaped artifact to Mohammad-Ali Najafi, Iran’s Cultural Heritage Chief. The Persian ceremonial drinking vessel, which dates to the 7th century B.C., was confiscated by customs officials in 2003 from an art dealer, but strained relations between the two countries prevented its return. “We are taking this as America’s souvenir to the Iranian people,” Najafi said.