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US ships 'in second rescue of Iranians in Gulf' | US ships 'in second rescue of Iranians in Gulf' |
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US ships have, for the second time in a week, rescued a group of Iranians in trouble at sea, the Pentagon has said. | US ships have, for the second time in a week, rescued a group of Iranians in trouble at sea, the Pentagon has said. |
US Coast Guard cutter Monomoy picked up six Iranian mariners after their vessel broke down in the Gulf. | |
One of the mariners had suffered burn injuries and was receiving treatment from the Coast Guard, Pentagon spokesman George Little told reporters. | |
The US Navy rescued 13 Iranian fishermen last Thursday after they were captured by Somali pirates. | |
Forces assigned to the John C Stennis aircraft carrier group reacted after receiving a distress call from the Al Molai fishing vessel, which had been boarded by pirates in the Arabian Sea more than a month ago. | |
US officials said the fishermen were provided with fuel and food for their return journey. | |
Iran described the rescue as a "humanitarian gesture". | Iran described the rescue as a "humanitarian gesture". |
However, days earlier Tehran had warned the carrier - which was on its way to Afghanistan when it received the distress call - not to the return to the region. | |
Faced with the prospect of fresh sanctions over its nuclear programme, Iran has threatened to block the transport of oil through the Strait of Hormuz. | |
Washington has rejected Iran's warning to keep its forces out of Gulf waters, and has warned it will resist any attempt by Tehran to close the Strait. |