Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Wednesday he would free 15 British sailors and marines as an “Easter gift” to Britain.
Ahmadinejad said the crew would be taken to Tehran airport at the end of the press conference that he was addressing.
"On the occasion of the birthday of the great prophet (Muhammad) ... And for the occasion of the passing of Christ, I say the Islamic Republic government and the Iranian people - with all powers and legal right to put the soldiers on trial - forgave those 15," he said, referring to the Muslim prophet's birthday last Saturday and Easter, next Sunday.
Later Iranian state television showed the British sailors and marines talking to Ahmadinejad at the country's presidential palace apparently as they were being released.
The footage showed Ahmadinejad shaking hands with the sailors and smiling and chatting. ''We appreciate it. Your people have been really kind to us, and we appreciate it very much,'' one of the seized sailors could be heard on the footage saying in English to Ahmadinejad.
One the service members also was heard saying in English: ''We are grateful for your forgiveness.'' Ahmadinejad responded to him in Farsi: ''You are welcome.''
Ahmadinejad pins medal on chest of Coast Guard commander (photo: AP)
The president scolded Britain for not being “brave enough” to admit they had made a mistake and strayed into Iranian waters.
Oil prices fell more than 50 cents after the announcement.
During the press conference Ahmadinejad threatened to “retaliate” against the sanctions imposed on Iranian banks, but added that the Islamic Republic would consider reestablishing ties with the US if the Bush Administration changes its behavior.
Captured British soldiers in Iran (photo: AP)
“Iran is willing to maintain cordial relations with all countries except the occupying regime in Jerusalem,” he said.
Moments before announcing the crew's imminent release, Ahmadinejad praised the Iranian coast guard members who seized the British on March 23, and he pinned a medal of bravery on the chest of their commander, who came on stage with two members of his crew.
"On behalf of the great Iranian people, I want to thank the Iranian coast guard who courageously defended and captured those who violated their territorial waters," Ahmadinejad said, vowing that Iran will "not accept trespassing on its territorial waters."