A former director at the semi-official, state-sponsored Iranian news agency, Fars, tweeted footage that appears to show the moment 10 US Navy sailors were detained by Iran in the Persian Gulf on Tuesday.
First footage from the moment when #US sailors were captured by #Iran's #IRGC. #Marines pic.twitter.com/7BeJLlGfNn
Part 2: First footage from the moment when #US sailors were captured by #Iran's #IRGC.#marines pic.twitter.com/vFyto44oGD
- Abas Aslani (@abasinfo) January 13, 2016
"I want to express my gratitude to Iranian authorities for their cooperation ?in swiftly resolving this matter," US Kerry said in a statement Wednesday morning.
"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," he added, a sentiment that was echoed by Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif.
The IRGC ultimately determined that the sailors' entry was not intentional, the corps said.