Ten US sailors released from Iranian custody
White House officials say they are aware of the situation and are working to return the sailors home safely
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ten American sailors were released from Iranian custody on Wednesday after two small US Navy ships were detained in the Persian Gulf.
A senior US Defense Department official told The Independent two small US Navy ships went missing for some time on Tuesday but said that Iranian officials had ensured the crews' safety.
"Earlier today, we lost contact with two small US naval craft en route from Kuwait to Bahrain," the official said.
"We subsequently have been in communication with Iranian authorities, who have informed us of the safety and well-being of our personnel."
The official added that: "We have received assurances the ten sailors will promptly be allowed to continue their journey."
The Fars News Agency in Iran reports that the boats illegally entered Iranian waters and the US sailors were “arrested.”
Members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Navy confiscated GPS equipment and accused the servicemen of “snooping.”
White House officials said that they are aware of the situation and are working to return the sailors home safely.
Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes told reporters that the administration was optimistic about the situation, according to Reuters.
Two US officials told the news agency that is was unlikely that the sailors — nine men and one woman — would be released overnight.
The incident comes just hours before President Barack Obama is scheduled to address the nation in his eighth and final State of the Union Address.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments