New Reports on the Arrest of Sailors: 'Mistakes by the Sailors', 'Criticism of Iran'

According to reports from American media, the sailors from that country had 'made several mistakes' during their arrest by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps near Farsi Island. Meanwhile, the commander of U.S. naval operations stated that their arrest was against international law. CNN and Foreign Policy, based on conversations with American officials, reported that the sailors had made several mistakes, including insomnia before repairing one of the boats, using equipment from another boat for repairs, navigating a route they had never sailed before, technical problems with the boats, and ultimately issues arising from the satellite communication system. As a result of all these, the sailors did not conduct a general review of their daily program. CNN reported on March 2 that according to a completed report from the U.S. Army, the sailors were on their way from Kuwait to Bahrain but soon deviated from their path and inadvertently headed almost directly towards Farsi Island in Iranian waters. The U.S. Department of Defense announced on January 13 that Iran had two American boats along with their sailors. These events coincided with the day the nuclear agreement was implemented. However, the sailors were released a day later. Nevertheless, reactions continued, especially after Iran released images and videos of their arrest, including footage of one of the sailors crying. The U.S. Army, in an initial report about the incidents, stated that all belongings of the seized boats, except for the SIM cards of two satellite phones, had been returned. However, there has still been no official response to key questions such as how they entered Iranian waters. Officials speaking to U.S. media stated that an internal military report shows that the sailors, while facing navigation problems, were unaware of their location near Farsi Island and had missed a scheduled phone call with their command. The command center also failed to realize that the navigation equipment of the sailors' boat had directed them into Iranian waters. While the sailors entered Iranian waters, the boat that had navigation issues also faced technical problems. The issue was resolved, but by this time they were surrounded by the IRGC forces. According to the report, the sailors initially did not realize they were surrounded by Iranian forces. Four other boats arrived, and their escape route was blocked. The report stated that the sailors were interrogated separately. They were then transferred to a large room, fed, and asked to smile and appear happy for the cameras. The sailors refused to do so. According to American officials, the lieutenant who was the senior sailor apologized for the mistake to calm the situation. Admiral John Richardson, the commander of U.S. naval operations, stated on Tuesday that the arrest of 10 American sailors by Iran was against international law. According to The Hill, Admiral Richardson said during a meeting in the U.S. House of Representatives that the events of last January were 'another witness to the threats we face here (in the region)'. Republican representatives in the U.S. have continued their criticisms, especially regarding the release of videos showing the sailors' arrest and treatment. Mr. Richardson stated that the U.S. military appreciates the nuclear agreement reached between six world powers and Iran, which leads to the elimination of Tehran's nuclear threats. However, he added, 'from our perspective, not much has changed regarding our activities: in terms of monitoring Iran, ensuring security in the region and the Strait of Hormuz, and operations in the Gulf.' The commander of U.S. naval operations stated that the report regarding the sailors' arrest would be officially released in one or two months. On the other hand, in Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, praised the action of the forces that arrested the American sailors as brave and commendable and commended them. The commanders of the IRGC involved in the arrests also received medals.