Menu
24/06/2004
Eight sailors handed over to UK embassy in Tehran
The eight British navy personnel being held by Iranian authorities have been released and handed over to UK diplomats in Tehran.
The Foreign Office said that the men flew from the south of the country to Tehran at 8.30am (GMT) and were taken to the British embassy compound in the centre of the capital.
Froeign Secretary Jack Straw said he was "very pleased indeed" that the men had been returned to British care.
The two sailors and six Marines, travelling in three boats, were arrested on Monday after apparently straying into Iranian waters along the Shatt Al Arab waterway.
The men, who belong to the Royal Navy Training Team (RNTT), based in southern Iraq, were in the process of delivering a boat from Umm Qasr to Basrah when they were arrested.
During their captivity, the men were paraded before television cameras. Concerns were raised over their treatment when images of the group in blindfolds were broadcast. Footage of one sailor apologising for their supposed transgressions was also aired.
Today, Mr Straw thanked his opposite number in Iran, Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi, for his assistance in securing the release, and said that the eight men were in "very good spirits and were well cared for".
Mr Straw recast the events of the last four days as part of complications that can arise in international relations. The UK's close contacts with Iran will continue as before, he said.
"We have diplomatic relations with Iran. We work hard on these relationships and sometimes these relationships are complicated. But I'm in no doubt that our policy of engagement with the government of Iran and the Islamic People's Republic of Iran is the best approach," the Foreign Secretary said.
Military equipment seized by the Iranians – including the three motor patrol boats and the soldiers' rifles – has not yet been returned, and will be the subject of further discussions.
(gmcg)
The Foreign Office said that the men flew from the south of the country to Tehran at 8.30am (GMT) and were taken to the British embassy compound in the centre of the capital.
Froeign Secretary Jack Straw said he was "very pleased indeed" that the men had been returned to British care.
The two sailors and six Marines, travelling in three boats, were arrested on Monday after apparently straying into Iranian waters along the Shatt Al Arab waterway.
The men, who belong to the Royal Navy Training Team (RNTT), based in southern Iraq, were in the process of delivering a boat from Umm Qasr to Basrah when they were arrested.
During their captivity, the men were paraded before television cameras. Concerns were raised over their treatment when images of the group in blindfolds were broadcast. Footage of one sailor apologising for their supposed transgressions was also aired.
Today, Mr Straw thanked his opposite number in Iran, Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi, for his assistance in securing the release, and said that the eight men were in "very good spirits and were well cared for".
Mr Straw recast the events of the last four days as part of complications that can arise in international relations. The UK's close contacts with Iran will continue as before, he said.
"We have diplomatic relations with Iran. We work hard on these relationships and sometimes these relationships are complicated. But I'm in no doubt that our policy of engagement with the government of Iran and the Islamic People's Republic of Iran is the best approach," the Foreign Secretary said.
Military equipment seized by the Iranians – including the three motor patrol boats and the soldiers' rifles – has not yet been returned, and will be the subject of further discussions.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 April 2007
British crew 'admit trespass'
All 15 British sailors and marines detained in Iran have admitted that they illegally entered the country's waters, Iranian state radio has reported. Previous footage of four crew members - three men and one woman - have been broadcast on Iranian television showing the Britons saying that they had entered Iran's waters.
British crew 'admit trespass'
All 15 British sailors and marines detained in Iran have admitted that they illegally entered the country's waters, Iranian state radio has reported. Previous footage of four crew members - three men and one woman - have been broadcast on Iranian television showing the Britons saying that they had entered Iran's waters.
01 July 2004
Detained troops had been 'forcibly escorted' into Iranian waters
Britain's diplomat row with Iran deepened last night after the MoD said that the eight British servicemen, who were allegedly detained inside the Islamic republic's territory, had in fact been "forcibly escorted" into Iranian waters.
Detained troops had been 'forcibly escorted' into Iranian waters
Britain's diplomat row with Iran deepened last night after the MoD said that the eight British servicemen, who were allegedly detained inside the Islamic republic's territory, had in fact been "forcibly escorted" into Iranian waters.
23 June 2009
UK Expels Two Iranian Diplomats
The PM Gordon Brown has announced two Iranian diplomats are to be expelled after the "unjustified" expulsion of two British envoys. The move, which the Prime Minister said was in response to Iran ordering two UK diplomats to leave the country, was announced today in the House of Commons.
UK Expels Two Iranian Diplomats
The PM Gordon Brown has announced two Iranian diplomats are to be expelled after the "unjustified" expulsion of two British envoys. The move, which the Prime Minister said was in response to Iran ordering two UK diplomats to leave the country, was announced today in the House of Commons.
12 April 2005
Armed man takes children hostage in Germany
An armed man has seized several children and is holding them hostage in a house in Germany. The man, who is armed with a knife, reportedly forced a number of children from a bus in the town of Ennepetal, about 40 miles northwest of Cologne.
Armed man takes children hostage in Germany
An armed man has seized several children and is holding them hostage in a house in Germany. The man, who is armed with a knife, reportedly forced a number of children from a bus in the town of Ennepetal, about 40 miles northwest of Cologne.
03 November 2003
IAEA 'making good progress' on Iran's nuclear programme
The head of the UN nuclear watchdog agency has said that its verification work in Iran was "making good progress", a week after Tehran turned over a dossier on its nuclear activities.
IAEA 'making good progress' on Iran's nuclear programme
The head of the UN nuclear watchdog agency has said that its verification work in Iran was "making good progress", a week after Tehran turned over a dossier on its nuclear activities.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
