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US ships 'in second rescue of Iranians in Gulf' US ships 'in second rescue of Iranians in Gulf'
(40 minutes later)
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.
A US Coast Guard cutter picked up six Iranian mariners after their vessel broke down in the Gulf. 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, Coast Guard spokesman George Little told reporters. One of the mariners had suffered burn injuries and was receiving treatment from the Coast Guard, Pentagon spokesman George Little told reporters.
A US Navy ship rescued 13 Iranian fishermen last Thursday after they were captured by Somali pirates. The US Navy rescued 13 Iranian fishermen last Thursday after they were captured by Somali pirates.
The fishermen had spent more than a month in captivity, and US officials said they provided fuel and food for them to return home. 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, it has failed to dampen tensions between the US and Iran in recent weeks. 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.
Washington has rejected an Iranian warning to keep its forces out of Gulf waters after Western powers unveiled new sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme. 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.