First of all, I am absolutely delighted at the news from Iran today that they intend to release our sailors and marines. My delight will be shared certainly by the 15 naval personnel themselves, as well as by their Navy colleagues who know them so well, and by their families, friends, and loved ones. There will also be a degree of quiet satisfaction among the diplomatic community that they have brought this crisis to a satisfactory end. This is a great moment, but the greater moment will come when we see the Navy personnel arrive home safe and sound.
Those held in Iran always sought to act with dignity and integrity despite the pressure that they were under. They did not guard their dignity so much as they let their dignity guard them. They themselves have been at the forefront of the negotiations by the way that they have conducted themselves with professionalism and calm. They assisted in advancing the negotiations going on behind the scenes.
