Iran: Captured 15 Are in Very Good Health

THE Iranian government said the 15 sailors and marines captured on Friday were doing well.

But their foreign ministry refused to confirm whether they were being held in the capital, Tehran, or when they would be released.

A spokesman said their case was following normal procedures, holding out the possibility that they could be brought to trial depending on Iran’s assessment of their intent in allegedly entering Iranian waters.

Mohammad Ali Hosseini added: "They are in completely good health. Rest assured that they have been treated with humanitarian and moral behaviour."

When asked if Faye Turney had total privacy, he added: "Definitely. All ethics have been observed." Some fear the service personnel could get caught up in escalating political tensions between Tehran and the West.

Iran’s nuclear programme and accusations of providing aid to Shia militant groups in Iraq have led to strains between the sides.

Some in Iran have called for the 15 to be held until the release of Iranian diplomats and at least five Iranians detained by US forces in Iraq for allegedly being part of a Revolutionary Guard force there.

The stand-off helped drive up international oil prices earlier this week, but they fell yesterday as hopes for a peaceful resolution began to grow.

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