US Sailors Will Probably Be Released, Says Iranian Revolutionary Guards Commander
Tehran claims the personnel were in Iranian territorial waters illegally when they were captured.
The 10 USA sailors who were detained are now back with their American fleet and are getting debriefed and undergoing what the military calls “reintegration”, a series of interviews and physical and mental health examinations to ease their return to duty.
The Pentagon said there were no signs of the sailors being harmed while in Iranian custody. It is not clear whether they were lower on fuel than expected.
But when they got so close to Farsi Island, and were approached by the Iranians, it is believed the US boats could not rapidly get out of way because of that engine trouble. The boats were supposed to stay out of that area.
“The result of two U.S. Navy vessels being boarded and seized by an enemy – which is what the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Navy is – is disturbing”, he wrote on his blog”. The sailors were then taken ashore by a U.S. Navy aircraft while another group of sailors took over the Riverine Command boats as they made their way towards the boats’ original destination, Bahrain. “I’m very glad they’re released”.
Kirby said he wanted to give the sailors a chance to describe the circumstances of their capture, but said it was inappropriate for Iran to use the video of the sailors for propaganda purposes. There were “robust bridge-to-bridge communications” during that time, but there was no trouble, the official said.
Our sailors didn’t do it. I know our warriors are not cowards, and I also know they follow orders.
Iranian troops are seen on video checking the sailors’ documents such as passports in addition to guns, ammunition, and other equipment aboard the two boats.
The State Department said Wednesday afternoon that USA officials were looking into the videos and would respond if the US determined that the sailors were treated inappropriately. “Categorically, there was not”, Toner told reporters at a press briefing.
Kerry said Wednesday that he thanked the Iranians for their cooperation and quick response on the matter, adding that “this is a testament to the critical role diplomacy plays in keeping our country safe”. “We’ll have more to say as we debrief”.