Cairo: The two Egyptian sailors detained aboard the Reem Al-Khaleej vessel at Iran's Bandar Abbas port since January have been released, the foreign ministry stated on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the Egyptian sailors' departure from Iran was secured, and arrangements were made to facilitate their return to Egypt, with the country's Interest Section in Tehran completing the necessary procedures. Before they departed for Egypt, the head of Egypt's Interest Section met with the sailors to check on their well-being and provide them with all necessary support.

For his part, Assistant Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs and Egyptians Abroad Haddad El-Gohary also received the sailors' families at the ministry's headquarters in Cairo. During the meeting, El-Gohary briefed the families on the ministry's efforts, which culminated in the release of their relatives and the completion of arrangements for their return to Egypt.

In the statement, the ministry said the release capped months of its efforts, as part of its commitment to caring for Egyptians abroad and ensuring their safety and security. According to the ministry, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty had held high-level contacts with the Iranian side over the past months to secure the release of the Egyptian sailors.

Abdelatty also instructed Egypt's Interest Section in Tehran to make every effort to ensure their well-being and provide all necessary support and assistance. Members headed to the Bandar Abbas Port and visited the sailors. The top diplomat also directed the ministry's Consular Affairs Sector to meet with the sailors' families and keep them updated on the latest developments.

According to the Egyptian foreign ministry, the Reem Al-Khaleej vessel was detained in January by Iranian authorities off the coast of Iran's Qeshm Island. Four Egyptian sailors were initially reported aboard the detained vessel in January. Two crew members, welder Ahmed Moussa and engineer Khaled Sami Mohamed, were released separately in February, according to family accounts carried by Egyptian media, leaving the two others whose release was announced on Tuesday.