White House spokesman Josh Earnest told CNN's Jake Tapper that the 10 U.S. Navy sailors that are in Iranian custody are being treated fairly.
"Well, Jake, what I can tell you is that U.S. officials have been in touch with the Iranians about this situation. This is obviously a situation that we are monitoring closely," Earnest said. "We have received assurance from the Iranians, both that our sailors are safe, that they are being -- uh, being sort of afforded, you know the sort of care, the proper -- uh, courtesy that you would expect.
"And we have also more importantly received assurances that they will be allowed to continue their journey promptly. So you know, the substance of the communications we have received with the Iranians so far today and it is a situation that we are going to continue to watch closely."
The two small vessels were en route from Kuwait to Bahrain when they lost contact with the U.S.
The craft were patrolling the Gulf and became disabled and drifted into Iranian-controlled waters. Reports indicate that there was some type of mechanical trouble with one of the boats and it ran aground. The two vessels were then taken near Farsi Island but it is uncertain where the sailors are currently being held.
Secretary of State John Kerry immediately called Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif upon learning of the incident. The incident also comes hours before President Obama is set to give his State of the Union address.