ANKARA

Iran on Friday announced that it temporarily seized two US unmanned vessels in the Red Sea for "endangering maritime security," according to state-run media.

Th two US unmanned reconnaissance vessels were briefly seized by the Iranian navy on Thursday before they were released, Iranian TV reported.

The frigate Jamaran of the Iranian navy seized the boats to prevent a possible accident after warning the US fleet.

After the international shipping routes were secured, the two boats were left in a safe area.

Footage broadcast on the state television showed Iranian soldiers pushing two unmanned vehicles into the sea from the deck of their ship.

*Writing by Mahmoud Barakat