Iran releases drones seized in Red Sea after US Navy intervenes

An Iranian warship seized two US uncrewed surface vessels in the Red Sea before releasing them 18 hours later, the Navy said, in a provocative move that comes as indirect nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington appear close to stalling.

Around 2 pm local time Thursday, the Iranian navy ship Jamaran seized two Saildrone Explorers, uncrewed vessels that were unarmed and taking unclassified photos in international waters, according to the Navy, The Washington Post reports.

The incident occurred in the southern part of the Red Sea, a waterway separating the Arabian peninsula from Africa.

The guided-missile destroyers USS Nitze and USS Delbert D. Black responded to the incident, dispatching helicopters and attempting to negotiate the release of the drones with the Jamaran. Around 8 am Friday, the Iranian warship released the two Saildrone Explorers, wind- and solar-powered vessels used primarily for data collection.

The Iranian mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately return a request for comment late Friday.