Jordanians detained by Iran arrive in Kingdom

AMMAN — The three Jordanians who were detained after entering Iranian waters in January arrived in the Kingdom on Monday after completing travel procedures in Iraq, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

The three Jordanians had accidently entered Iranian territorial waters in January while on a fishing trip. The Jordanians were on an Emirati boat with an Emirati and two Egyptian nationals when they were detained.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Sufian Qudah said that the Jordanians were originally supposed to travel back through the UAE by sea last week, but unstable weather prevented their return, which was why they were transferred back through Iraq by plane. 

Qudah expressed the Kingdom’s thanks for Iraq’s efforts in accelerating the return of the three Jordanian’s to their homeland. He also expressed Jordan’s appreciation for the UAE’s cooperation and efforts to get the citizens back.

Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi delegated Director of the Consular Affairs Department Ahid Sweidat, and Qudah to receive the three Jordanians upon their arrival at Queen Alia International Airport.

The release of the detainees was based on a decision by Iranian authorities to only impose financial fines on the three Jordanians for illegally entering and fishing in Iran’s territorial waters, as well as for damage sustained by an Iranian coast guard boat. The Jordanian Embassy in Tehran has officially paid the due fines.