IRGC: We Will Act Regarding American Sailors as Soon as Ordered from Above

The spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran stated that reports about the immediate release of detained American naval personnel are mere speculation, and that the military organization neither confirms nor denies it. Ramadan Sharif, the IRGC spokesperson, said in an interview with the Tasnim news agency on January 13, that American officials should be assured that their response will be based on Islamic compassion. He mentioned that after investigations, if it is determined that their actions were unintentional, a different approach will be taken. Sharif did not provide further details on what this 'different approach' would entail. He also added that if during debriefing and discussions it is determined that their entry was related to intelligence activities or unrelated tasks, the relevant authorities will take necessary actions. On the other hand, the Fars news agency reported on January 13, citing Ali Fadavi, the commander of the IRGC Navy, that actions regarding the detainees will be taken 'as soon as ordered from the hierarchy.' No further explanations were provided on this matter. These statements come after the White House spokesperson indicated that American officials have received assurances from Tehran that the sailors and their boats will be 'immediately and safely released.' According to initial reports, 10 American sailors in two U.S. Navy boats were detained by Iranian forces on Saturday. Peter Cook, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense, told the Associated Press that these boats were moving between Kuwait and Bahrain when contact was lost. The IRGC spokesperson stated that they 'violated Iran's maritime borders.' He also mentioned that the sailors complied with 'the warnings of the IRGC Navy' and 'no conflict occurred in the Persian Gulf.' American officials had previously stated that John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, personally contacted Mohammad Javad Zarif, his Iranian counterpart, to inform him of the situation. Ali Fadavi, the commander of the IRGC Navy, confirmed 'diplomatic contacts' but added that Zarif 'stated they were in our territorial waters and must apologize.' This latest incident follows reports and images of missile tests conducted by the IRGC in the Persian Gulf during the entry of an American aircraft carrier in late December, which Iran has denied. In this context, the Pentagon stated that Iran has taken control of two U.S. Navy boats, while the White House confirmed that Iran assured the immediate release of American sailors.