Beijing, Jan 7 (IANS) Despite the prevailing diplomatic tension between the two countries, the US Navy has rescued 13 Iranian hostages held by Somali pirates in the Arabian Sea.

A total of 15 pirates were detained in the incident, Xinhua reported.

According to the US Navy, the US guided-missile destroyer USS Kidd, part of the USS John C. Stennis aircraft carrier strike group, responded to a distress call from the Iranian boat Al Molai, held by Somali pirates for more than 40 days.

A US Navy team from the USS Kidd was taken by helicopter to board the Iranian boat, used as a “mother ship” by the pirates, and detained 15 pirates, who surrendered quickly without any resistance, said an official statement Friday.

The Iranians were freed and headed home after the US Navy team gave them food, water and medical care.

The rescue operation came amid rising tension between the US and Iran, whose military chief Tuesday warned Washington against sending the aircraft carrier back to the Persian Gulf.

Iran, facing increased sanctions by the US and its allies over its nuclear programme, threatened last week to close the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil routes, if its oil exports were sanctioned by the West.

In response, the Pentagon warned that “interference with the transit or passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz will not be tolerated”.