Al-Maharah-based penal prosecution is investigating Iranian sailors in preparation for their trails for unlawfully entering the Yemeni regional waters and possessing 200 kg of drugs. 

Sources at the prosecution indicated that seized drugs were on their way to Yemen and other neighboring countries and noted the detained Iranians along with the confiscated drugs will be referred to court after investigations come to an end.

Media sources reported that American security officials headed to Al-Maharah to investigate the circumstances of the arrest; however, the Iranian Embassy in Sana'a declined to comment.

The investigations were timed with the Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki visit to Yemen, were he met President Saleh last Thursday. The former conveyed a letter from President Ahmed Najadi relating to the bilateral relations between Yemen and Iran and other regional Arab and Islamic issues of concern to both countries.

During the meeting, Saleh underlined Iran's right to possess nuclear technology for peaceful ends and assured that Iran has an important role to play especially in matters relating to Yemen's security and stability.

For his part, Motakki stressed that his country will always stand by Yemen and hinted that what concerns Yemen is of concern to Iran. He also expressed his country's keenness to have developed relations with Yemen at all levels.