Iran frees US sailors, eases tension
TEHRAN—Iran on Wednesday defused a potential crisis days before the implementation of its nuclear deal with world powers by releasing 10 US Navy soldiers it had detained in the Gulf.
A dramatic series of events started when nine American men and a woman were taken into custody after their two patrol boats drifted into Iranian waters late on Tuesday.
US and Iranian officials scrambled to contain the situation just as the nuclear accord edged toward its final steps. A top Iranian official already said that the deal should be implemented by Sunday.
“Following [the US] apology, [the sailors] have been released in international waters in the Gulf,” said a statement read out on state television. According to the statement, the sailors had not entered Iranian waters intentionally and had no “hostile intent.”
Video footage showed the Navy personnel with their hands on their heads as they were apprehended. Other footage showed them eating a meal and drinking water, some smiling, while sitting on Persian rugs.
One sailor told Iranian state television that the crew had been treated well during their detention. “It was a mistake and that was our fault, and we apologize for our mistake,” he said.
The Pentagon confirmed they had been freed and that there was no indica- tion that the sailors had been harmed.
“That this issue was resolved peacefully and efficiently is a testament to the critical role diplomacy plays in keeping our country safe, secure, and strong,” US Secretary of State John Kerry said in a statement.