Dramatic Video Shows Capture of Ten U.S. Navy Sailors in Iran

A new video shows the moment Iran captured ten U.S. Navy sailors on Tuesday. Iranian authorities detained them due to perceived suspicious surveillance by two Navy patrol boats in Iranian territory. All 10 sailors were released Wednesday morning.

The video aired on Iranian state television. It’s controversial in that it could be a violation of Geneva Convention ordinance for the protection of foreign prisoners “against insults and public curiosity.” The three minute video shows the ten sailors kneeling while their vessels, ammunition and weapons were seized.

Videos aren’t a new occurrence for foreign detainees as captors tend to use them for propaganda and a ‘f**k you’ for how U.S. forces have treated their detainees in the past.

Upon being sent to Farsi Island, the sailors were fed and tended to in a testament to their proper treatment. All of their possessions were inspected and they were later released with an apology from one of the sailors:

It was a misunderstanding. We did not mean to go into Iranian territorial waters. It was a mistake. It was our fault. The Iranian behavior was fantastic while we were here. We thank you very much for your hospitality and your assistance.

From the NY Times:

The Pentagon and the State Department initially cited evidence of possible mechanical, navigational or refueling errors. This led the sailors off course in the unintended waters of Iran. Following the release of the detained, John Kerry essentially retracted the sailor’s apology in place of the signature American strong-arm foreign relations. He also gave nod to the swift and diplomatic handling of the incident as a mark of warmer relations between the two sovereign powers. He added:

I think we can all imagine how a similar situation might have played out three or four years ago. In fact, it is clear that today this kind of issue was able to be peacefully resolved and efficiently resolved and that is a testament to the critical role that diplomacy plays in keeping our country safe, secure and strong.

The publicly debated Iran nuclear deal goes into effect in just a few days and whichever side of the deal you’re on, this could be a true marker for a brighter future in the Middle East involvement.