The U.S. navy was forced to release an Iranian boat detained in the Red Sea on suspicion of carrying arms to Hamas-ruled Gaza. Weapons of various kinds were found aboard the ship, which was flying the Cypriot flag when it was stopped January 19. The ship was released Tuesday when it became apparent that there was no legal basis for holding it.
At a press conference in Washington, Admiral Mike Mullen, who heads the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said although American naval personnel boarded the ship and found the weapons, they had no legal authority to impound the arms. He suggested that more stringent resolutions by the UN Security Council would be required, stating clearly that Iran is violating standards against arms smuggling.
Mullen stressed involving Iran in solving regional problems, including the deteriorating condition in Afghanistan and Pakistan, but that ultimately the matter should be left to diplomats. With regard to the Obama administration's approach to the Iranian threat, he said that the military option is not off the table, but that it must remain the last option.