John Kerry Hails Sailors’ Release
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – US Secretary of State John Kerry thanked Iran for releasing the American sailors detained by the Islamic Republic after violating its territorial waters.
“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,” Kerry said in a statement on Wednesday, AP reported.
Following the release of the 10 US Navy sailors, US Defense Secretary Ash Carter also welcomed the move and said, “…we appreciate the timely way in which this situation was resolved.”
On Wednesday, the IRGC Public Relations said in a statement that the sailors were freed following an apology from the US and after technical and operational investigations indicated that the intrusion into Iranian territorial waters was "unintentional".
The seizure had taken place at 4:30 P.M. local time, Tuesday, when the two American combat vessels, with 10 armed sailors on board, entered Iran’s territorial waters near the island of Farsi.