Egypt says it is working to secure release of sailors held by Iran

By Mohammad Sio

ISTANBUL (AA) - Egypt said Wednesday it is working to secure the release of Egyptian sailors held by Iranian authorities after a video showed a citizen aboard a detained vessel,

A Foreign Ministry statement said Minister Badr Abdelatty directed the consular affairs sector to urgently follow developments and take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Egyptians involved.

Assistant Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Haddad El-Gohary said the Egyptian Interests Section in Tehran was instructed to immediately contact Iranian authorities. The outreach confirmed that four Egyptian nationals were aboard the vessel Reem al-Khaleej, held at Bandar Abbas port in southern Iran after being seized off the coast of Iran’s Qeshm Island.

El-Gohary said a member of the Egyptian Interests Section in Tehran has been dispatched to the port where the vessel is held to provide the necessary consular and legal assistance and to work toward the sailors’ prompt release and safe return to Egypt.

The statement did not provide details on the reasons behind holding the vessel. It came as tensions escalated between Tehran and Washington following anti-government protests in Iran, with the US administration saying all options, including military action, remain on the table in dealing with Tehran.

Iranian officials have warned that any US attack would draw a “swift and comprehensive” response.