23-04-2024 12:31 PM Jerusalem Timing

US Marines Released after Apologizing for Crossing Iran’s Water ’by Mistake’

US Marines Released after Apologizing for Crossing Iran’s Water ’by Mistake’

Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) confirmed that two US navy boats that were held in Iran’s custody have been set free.

IRGC emblemIslamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) confirmed on Wednesday that crew of the two US navy boats that were held in Iran's custody have been set free after offering apologies.

IRGC Public Relations Department, in a statement released on Wednesday morning, declared that the US navy boats entered Iranian territorial waters illegally.

Several hours after, the military corps said in another statement that 10 US marines were released after they apologized for crossing Tehran's territorial water "by mistake."

"The 10 sailors have been taken to international waters and freed there," it read.

Associated Press had quoted Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook that two of the United States Navy boats are in Iran’s custody after entering the country’s waters, but the crew will be returned 'promptly.'

Iranian officials made it clear that the crew wouldn't be released until getting formal apology.

US Secretary of State John Kerry also contacted Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif upon learning the matter.

Kerry 'personally engaged with Zarif on this issue to try to get to this outcome,' an official said.

The boats were said to have been moving between Kuwait and Bahrain and were captured near Farsi Island.