Iran Seizes Two U.S. Navy Boats Hours Before Obama's SOTU Address; What the Hell is Iran Doing?

Iran Seizes Two U.S. Navy Boats

Are things heating up in the Mideast? Is the Obama-sponsored nuclear deal about to unravel?

Those appear to be reasonable question following the news report Iran Seizes Two U.S. Navy Boats hours before president Obama's State of the Union (SOTU) address.

What the Hell is Iran Doing?

Upon reading the headline, my first thought was "What the hell is Iran doing?"

Then I read the story.

It appears the US made a mistake, not Iran. US officials say the navy lost contact with the boats and they may have veered into Iranian territorial waters near Iran’s Farsi Island.

The White House moved to head off perceptions of the incident as an act of Iranian belligerence. “We do not see this as hostile intent, and every indication is they’re being well treated and will be released,” a senior administration official said.

White House press secretary Josh Earnest said U.S. officials were in touch with the Iranians and received assurances the sailors are “being afforded the proper courtesy that you’d expect.” The boats were on a trip from Kuwait to Bahrain.

Bad Timing or Good Timing? For Whom?

Republicans will be screaming hellfire, but look at what we are talking about. These are the boats in question.

The boats detained by Iran were described as ‘Riverine’ crafts approximately 20 to 25 feet long. Above, two ‘riverine’ boats in June. Photo: U.S. Navy

Prompt Release

The Wall Street Journal reports "U.S. has received assurances that crew members will be released promptly".

If so, bear in mind that a prompt release would likely not been the case before the nuclear deal with Iran.

There is no story here except for Republican warmongers itching to unravel Obama's nuclear deal with Iran.

I maintain Obama's deal with Iran is the single best thing he has done in eight years. Hmm. Has he done anything else right?