Iran is currently holding two U.S. Navy boats and 10 crew members, according to both U.S. and Iranian reports. Immediately, national security experts took to Twitter to voice their opinions.
The ships were seized as the crews were making their way from Kuwait to the island nation of Bahrain. (RELATED: Iran Is Holding Two US Navy Boats, Says It Will Release Crews Shortly)
Here is what some of the nation’s top security experts have to say.
Having engine trouble? Call the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. 1-800-VILAYAT-I FAQIH https://t.co/fIiMEM9hQQ
— Mike Doran (@Doranimated) January 12, 2016
No reason to detain Navy boats or personnel – meant to embarrass WH as it touts success of Iran Deal https://t.co/fzvfZiqTx9
— Michael P Pregent (@MPPregent) January 12, 2016
One likely challenge in this situation is US interlocutors (eg MFA) may themselves have limited influence with those holding our personnel
— Michael Singh (@MichaelSinghDC) January 12, 2016
Today's events call to mind similar incidents in '04 and '07, when Iran captured 6 and 15 UK seamen, held them 3 and 13 days, respectively
— Michael Singh (@MichaelSinghDC) January 12, 2016
Don't worry. Iran just wanted to hand deliver valuable intel on ISIS to US sailors.
— Michael Weiss (@michaeldweiss) January 12, 2016
It's almost touching anybody thinks Obama gives a shit about 10 sailors in Iranian hands. His #IranDeal must be protected, facts be damned.
— John Schindler (@20committee) January 12, 2016
Obama wrecked our relations w/major allies (note plural) for his mystical+magical #IranDeal — what are 10 sailors? https://t.co/fFlVMycJnT
— John Schindler (@20committee) January 12, 2016
#Iran burning United States in ME. P. Gulf just a metaphor for Beirut, Baghdad, and influence w/ allies. https://t.co/tYD7LYoc7w
— Tom Rogan (@TomRtweets) January 12, 2016
Well done, #IranDeal proponents. Well done.
— Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) January 12, 2016
"no sign of hostile intent." You've got to be kidding me #Iran
— Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) January 12, 2016
Secretary of State John Kerry apparently had other business to attend to when the news broke:
.@HHigginbottom and @ABlinken take part in @WhiteHouse’s #BigBlockOfCheeseDay tomorrow. Send them your toughest #foreignpolicy questions.
— John Kerry (@JohnKerry) January 12, 2016
Send tips to russ@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.