Tension eases as Iran releases 10 US sailors

Iran yesterday released 10 US Navy sailors detained in the Gulf, heading off a potential crisis within days of the expected implementation of its nuclear deal with world powers.

A dramatic series of events started with the sailors -- nine men and a woman -- being taken into custody after their two patrol boats drifted into Iranian territory late on Tuesday.

US and Iranian officials scrambled to defuse the situation, which unfolded as the nuclear accord edged toward its final steps, with a top Iranian official saying the deal should be implemented by Sunday.

The detention of the sailors raised alarm in Washington but after informal talks with Tehran, Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they had been set free.

"Following their apology, they have been released to international waters in the Gulf," said a statement read out on state television, noting that 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. But other footage showed them eating a meal and drinking water, some smiling, while sitting on Persian rugs.

A Pentagon statement confirmed they had been freed.

US officials had said one or both of the boats experienced mechanical problems and they had been taken to Farsi Island, which lies roughly midway between Iran and Saudi Arabia in the Gulf and houses a base of the Guards, which has its own naval units.

Washington and Tehran have no diplomatic relations but US Secretary of State John Kerry called Iranian counterpart Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to discuss the incident.

US sailors are seen in an undisclosed location in Iran in this handout picture released on Farsnews website yesterday. Photo: Reuters

Both men cited the sailors' speedy release as a textbook example of diplomacy, with Kerry thanking "Iranian authorities for their cooperation".