A representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hormozgan claims that the United Arab Emirates prevented, at the last moment and “without providing a reasonable cause,” the release of detained Hormozgan citizens.

Mohammad Solaymani said that return tickets for the fishermen to Bandar Abbas had been issued and that all necessary coordination between Iranian and UAE authorities had been carried out.

These fishermen are from Bandar Lengeh County and were detained after entering UAE waters in late Mordad.