American Naval Patrol Boats Seized by Iran, Crews Interrogated

Two American naval patrol boats, one of which, according to the US military, developed mechanical problems en route from Kuwait to Bahrain in the Arabian Gulf [also known as the Persian Gulf] on Tuesday, were seized by Iranian forces in Iranian territorial waters. The ten sailors aboard the two boats were taken into custody and have apparently been undergoing interrogation. On Wednesday, a spokesman for the powerful Revolutionary Guard dismissed as “speculation” rumors that the American crewmen will be returned shortly. Brig. Gen. Ramezan Sharif said an investigation is under way and hinted at the interrogation. He was quoted as saying the Americans were being held under good conditions and treated with “Islamic compassion.” How the incident plays out is expected to impact on the next phase of the controversial nuclear deal between Iran and the West, coming only days before the US is scheduled to lift the freeze on about $100 billion in Iranian assets. The incident in the Gulf will also cast light on the internal dynamics of the Iranian power infrastructure since the Revolutionary Guard holds the reins on the military and is known to be displeased with the nuclear agreement. Some observers are already expressing cautions that the implementation of the pact could be in jeopardy.