Key facts
- 55 Iranian fishermen detained in the UAE have been freed.
- Iran's embassy in the UAE confirmed the release on its Telegram channel.
- The fishermen were detained by the UAE Coast Guard in recent months.
- Reasons cited for detention include malfunctioning GPS systems and regional conditions.
- The repatriation process is underway, with some fishermen already returned to Iran.
Fifty-five Iranian fishermen detained in the United Arab Emirates have been released and are being repatriated, Iran's embassy in the UAE announced on its Telegram channel. The fishermen were reportedly held by the UAE Coast Guard in recent months due to malfunctioning GPS systems and "special conditions" in the region, a likely reference to ongoing tensions. The embassy confirmed that the process to send the fishermen home has commenced, with 14 already having returned to Iran and another 11 expected on upcoming flights from Dubai to Mashhad.