U.S. State Department says both crews successfully handled the situation . American sailors have helped Iranians at sea in the past . The United States , Iran and other nations have been intent on repelling pirates operating in the Gulf of Aden and other bodies of water . The incident comes as Iran is trying to improve relations with its neighbors and other nations after years of tensions over Iran's nuclear program, which Western powers suspect are aimed at developing a weapon. Piracy is a major problem for international shippers .
U.S. State Department says both crews successfully handled the situation . American sailors have helped Iranians at sea in the past . The incident comes as Iran is trying to improve relations with its neighbors and other nations after years of tensions over Iran's nuclear program, which Western powers suspect are aimed at developing a weapon. Piracy is a major problem for international shippers .