The photos were first revealed in the U.S by ABC News after the sailors were released by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps Wednesday.
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Contrary to initial reports, U.S. officials are now ruling out any mechanical fault aboard the sailors’ two small patrol boats, which were apprehended by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards while en route from Kuwait to Bahrain.
Kerry, in his remarks on Wednesday, said the quick return of USA sailors demonstrated the benefits of the Obama administration’s improved relations with Tehran.
The sailors left the island at 0843 GMT (3:43 a.m. EST) Wednesday aboard their boats, the Navy said.
The US sailors were taken to a nearby base where they were fed and housed.
For most Republicans, the dramatic, whirlwind incident in Iranian waters is another example of Iran’s belligerence and why it can’t be a trusted partner.
Secretary of Defense Ash Carter released a statement, saying, “I am pleased that ten U.S. Navy sailors have departed Iran and are now back in U.S. hands”.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has thanked Iran for ending what could have been a crisis involving the Islamic Republic holding 10 U.S. sailors, who have now been freed.
Tehran is set to satisfy its obligations from July’s nuclear accord in the coming days, diplomats reported Wednesday, obliging Washington to open up lucrative oil, trade and financial opportunities for the Iranians. Kerry recently said the deal’s implementation was “days away”.
The sailors were later taken ashore by U.S. Navy aircraft, while other sailors took charge of the boats and headed towards Bahrain, their original destination.
“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. However, the Navy said later that it was still not clear what caused the boats to become disabled.
The Revolutionary Guard released images of the USA sailors before their release, showing them sitting on the floor of a room.
“I certainly think they were released quickly because of the ongoing Iran deal”, retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling said.
Iran said the British sailors were released when their government apologised to Iran, but London denied that it had offered any apology.
The nine men and one woman were held on Farsi Island in the Persian Gulf after being detained nearby on Tuesday. He added that an investigation was underway, and talks were being held – suggesting the sailors were being interrogated.
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Cmdr. Kevin Stephens, a 5th Fleet spokesman, said the priority now would be determining “how exactly these sailors found themselves in Iran”.
