U.S. Acknowledges Iranian Gratitude Over Rescue

An image released by the U.S. Navy shows the "USS Kidd" near the Iranian-flagged dhow "Al Molai," which reportedly issued distress call claiming a pirate attack.

The United States has acknowledged the Iranian government’s statement welcoming the U.S. Navy's rescue of 13 Iranian fisherman from pirates the Persian Gulf.

Tommy Vietor, a spokesman for President Barack Obama’s National Security Council, said counterpiracy is part of the mission of U.S. naval forces in and around the gulf.

He said Iran also shared the goal of combating piracy in the area.

The January 5 rescue was done by one of several warships escorting the U.S. aircraft carrier "USS John C. Stennis."

The Iranian government had earlier warned the carrier to stay out of the Persian Gulf.

But the Iranian government on January 7 praised the rescue of the fishermen, who had been held in captivity for around 45 days by pirates thought to be Somalis.

compiled from agency reports