It is amazing how this event is misrepresented by the media. First we have heard about captured or kidnaped "sailors" instead of military. Than the UN-authorized patrolling has been transformed to the "under UN resolution ...". All this to avoid the fact that the self-appointed Iraq saviours military coalition just incurred MILITARY FAILURE - something which happens in any war on any side. That the Iran is involved and that no party in this Iraq conflict is behaving according to the rules of a "hypothetic civilized war" does not change the fact that technically this war is a clumsy business starting by the beastly arrogance/ignorance of the think-tank responsible for the go-ahead decision and ending by the under-staffing and under-financing of the operations. In a decent political system somebody already should have paid for this end-to-end failure of the Iraqi adventure. But who cares for decency ?

Blecha, Geneva, Switzerland

Diplomacy!? With Iran???
HA..HA...HA...HA...HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

John Wayne, Hollywood, CA

What were those marines doing in there? Could be a secret operation?

You just learned that the military and inteligence services invented the evidences to convince the population in UK and US to enter into a war in Iraq.

Well, that doesn't make you a bit more wary about what really happened?

Jesus, San Sebastian, Spain

There are some dark sides in the seizure of the 15 british marines, which likely will never be revealed to the people:where the HMS Cornwall was? Anyway It seems me the usual fit provocation to raise the international tension or to get something.

Luigi Curatola, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy

HMS Cornwall has radar, why did it not know of the Iranian incursion into Iraqi territorial waters? Why did it not attack the Iranians on the spot? Where were the rest of the coalition fleet?

It also shows the damage Brown's attack on the MOD is. Britain has no military capacity to do anything about this, there are not enough transport planes and ships to send reinforcements; not enough ships and planes to do anything much. Our forces in the gulf are absolutely dependent on the Americans and we should either have a proper defence budget or pull out. And despite the lack of planes and ships, the current plan is to mothball even more warships and to put back acquisition of our newest fighters. Infantry units have been cut already. Blair's ego and Brown's fiscal policies have left us defenceless and our armed forces exposed to anyone who cares to have a go at them.

Neil \murphy, cromer,

Another disgrace. Possibly the marines did not have signed permission from their opposition to be able to defend themselves. Maybe they were frightened that even using harsh language would render them liable to being dragged through the courts on charges.

Seriously though - As others have said, where was HMS Cornwall? Why did a situation occur where these men were left vunerable. Surely it was obvious that trouble was afoot when other craft zeroed in on their position?

It would appear that, as we appear unable to secure the return of boats and equipment each time this happens that Iran has discovered a good way to equip its armed forces.

I am afraid that what needs to happen - our troops defend themselves by all and any means possible, is just not to our leaders liking because maybe the big brother Americans won't hold our hands?

Paul Scofield, Milton Keynes,

If the servicemen were in international waters when captured then this surely amounts to an act of war – one which should be responded to in kind.

Michael Andrews, Blackburn, Lancashire

If the Royal Navy was in Iraqi territorial waters, they should have been the ones doing the seizing and taking the prisoners.

I smell abject cowardice and fear of confrontation with Iran. Allowing British sailors to be taken captive by Iran is an insult to Britain, and a propaganda coup by Iran.

After Britain is properly humiliated, we can expect their "safe" return.

Guiilermo Fuego, Mexico DF, Mexico

Navy cut to the bone, restrictive terms of engagement. Helicopter most probably u/s due to there being no spare parts.
British forces afraid to open fire in case of being charged with murder.
Now I know why I left the forces 9 years ago.
If the spams (americans) had been taken the B2s would be in the air by now

James, Portsmouth, UK

time to start programming some tomahawks- we'll help get you back shipmates

J Neth, Denver, Colorado,

It makes you wonder what HMS Cornwal was doing when the UK marines were surrounded by Iranian navy vessels. Was it a case of keeping a low profile on the part of Cornwall or the number of Iranian vessels put paid to any realistic intervention? Or more likely, there was total incompetence or lack of communications with HMS Cornwall that no one was aware of what was happening on the ground, er, water level. Such an incident would never be permitted to happen with American marines. For one thing, the US Navy would take into account of all eventualities including bringing on the Fleets to scare away any puny Iranian vessels. Alas the Royal Navy has been cut to the bone and HMS Cornwall may just look like a phony ship to the Iranians.

Yang, Shanghai, China

Seagoing episodes have been staged before to justify war. Whether genuinely a capture in Iraqi waters or not why would anyone want thousands to die because of it? Let the diplomatic wheels turn, they generally work if allowed to.

Kevin Osborne, Seattle,

Why did the navy not defend itself when the approaching iranian boats were noticed? The iranians would never dare do this to an american vessel. What is the point of sending soldiers to an area of the world where they will not defend themselves and offer themselves up as propoganda material to the iranians?

random user, atlantis, the arctic

During the occupation of Iran in August 1941, HMIS Investigator and other HMI ships were employed in covering the landings of troops at Abadan, Khorramshahr and Bandar Shapur and in standing by to evacuate British residents from Bushire. In one of the actions forming part of Operation ‘ Countenance, ’ in the capture of Abadan, Lieutenant N. Krishnan RIN, 2iC of HMIS Investigator
[ manned by 12 ratings ], won the DSC. It was decided to board an Iranian vessel who fired on his ship. He led a successful boarding party assault with fixed bayonets. The enemy surrendered after Krishnan shot and wounded an Iran Navy Officer. [ Source: The Royal Indian Navy 1612 – 1950 by Commander DJ Hastings RINVR pub 1988 by McFarland ISBN 0-89950-276-8. ] Later, in 1971, Lt General JS Aurora of the Indian Army, Vice Admiral Krishnan DSC and others, received the formal surrender of the Pakistan Miltary at Dacca. Just to remember a colourful ' Bombay Buccanneer ' action from WW II .

Lt Col (retd) Premendra Singh , New Delhi, India

During the occupation of Iran in August 1941, HMIS Investigator and other HMI ships were employed in covering the landings of troops at Abadan, Khorramshar and Bandar Shapur and in standing by to evacuate British residents from Bushire. In one of the actions forming part of Operation ' Countenance' in the capture of Abadan, Lieutenant N. Krishnan RIN of the Tug HMIS Investigator won the DSC when he led an assault party with fixed bayonets to board an Iranian vessel. He was 2iC of the ship which was manned by 12 ratings. [ source ' The Royal Indian Navy 1612- 1950 ' by Commander DJ Hastings RINVR ISBN 0 89950-276-8 pub McFarland 1988.]
Krishnan later served in the IN and rose to the rank of VAdm. In 1971, Lt General JS Aurora of the Indian Army, VAdm N. Krishnan and others, Bangla Forces, received the formal surrender of Pak forces in Dacca in 1971. Fixed bayonet assaults by the Navy didn't happen too often.
Rgds

Lt Col (retd) Premendra Singh , New Delhi, India

I believe that Iran has come to point of certainty that the resolution will prompt a complete confrontation with the states and it's allies, so the Iranian deplomats are gradually leaving the governing seat to be replaced by the military authorities. This move should raise the concern of the Britons that they have to pay a tremendous price for being on the wrong side. Iran's elite marine revolutionary guards guided by non-conventional strategies, are without doubt capable of turning the Iraqi coast - and generally the whole coast of the Persian gulf- into a hell for the Royal marines, so let's assume the war started.

Esmael, Tehran, Iran

I think the people who are having their say have never been in this situation and don't even understand what the Cornwall is actually doing out here. If the personnal on board had opened fire then we would be informing their next of kin that they were dead. I think the people of britain should keep their mouths shut as they are not receiving all the facts, If there was something that could of been done then we would of done it.

Carla, Crewe,

World War III has just begun ! Just dump your stocks and hang on to cash. This is all the excuse the honorable Bush needs. Somehow the whole incident stinks. 15 marines just give in without a fight? So, according to the British rules of engagement, if a shot is not fired, they just drop their guns and surrender? Something is not right here. What kind of army is this? An army of pastors?

Jay, London, UK

two views here. those of us who know its 1938, again, and accept the reality, and those who believe in santa claus.

carter, missoula, mt

It is a complete fall of the West. Great Britain was unable to stop Iran from hijackig its own vessel. The captain gave-up the ship with no fight. What is it - war or pique-niqe???

The West has forgotten the first right of war: war is fight not play. If you want to win - you have to fight not surrender!

Ziggi, Warsaw, Poland

The British Royal Navy no longer have any teeth...This government is spineless unless America is prompting her. The Iranian gunboats should have just been blown out of the water. This isn't the first time that the Iranians have done this. Watch for the usual parade of crocodiled marines blindfolded on TV.

kirk, Rotherham, UK

What the hell was the Cornwall doing whilst all this was going on abandoning 15 crewmen to the Iranians is a disgrace.There needs to be an explanation of the rules of engagement involving the Iranians because if they want to take on British or American warships I'm sure they will be more than happy to oblige.

The other thing to consider is that the Iranians obviously consider the British to be soft I'd bet a months salary the Americans would have sunk the Iranians rather than have there men taken

David, Phuket, Thailand

Could this be another false flag event. Another problem/reaction/solution? Do yourself a favor and shoot your television before it kills you. MP

MP, Maplewood, MO

What would Maggie do? ...

I'm so sorry you have this empty suit (Tony) instead.

No doubt the rules of engagement were not to fire unless fired upon, and not to enter Iranian waters. Since they were close to the border and a good distance from the Cornwall there was probably nothing they could do.

Its not the navy's fault it is that little mouse Blair and those under him that made these rules.

Matt, Atlanta, GA

Semper Fi Royal Marines Semper Fi. If your gov't wont come to your aid give the US Marines a call - the worlds 911 force.

RK, Arlington, va/us

"Seized?" And here all this time I thought that we had fighting men in the gulf. Where was the Cornwell when this happened? This has tactical incompetence written all over it. I don't expect Israeli marines would let themselves be "seized." Only, in the UK, no one cares about such things: we're all so prudent to watch out for the other side's "narrative" we have lost any sense of being ourselves.
This is a shameful incident for the Royal Navy and for Britain.

Mary Collins, London,

In these days of Accurate Global Positioning System (GPS), I do not think that Iranians would be foolish to do such an act in Iraqi waters.
nor would have been British and American response so muted. People on the spot would know exactly what happened, hence there was no immediate counter action. This apparently is testing of Iranian reaction and resolve before launching an offensive. UK and US Government should not play childish games.

Kanoongoo Admi, Guildford, UK

Where is Maggie!!!!!

Terry, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, Bolivia

This is an example of the accepted local practice of diplomacy. Likewise, the accepted regional custom for reponding to this type of situation is to inflict disproportionate pain. The Iranians might do well to remember the Joshan, Sahand, Sabalan, and the six Boghammer speedboats they lost the last time they decided to demonstrate that they were a real naval power. Unless Margaret Beckett wants more frequent "brisk but cordial" exchanges, the local customs should be observed.

Eric, Holmdel, USA / New Jersey

The Cornwall should have fired warning shots across the Iranians. But now they have our men, we give them 48 hours to give them back unharmed with all equippment or we hit them where it hurts.

Ben, York,

The reason why there was no response from the navy,
was probably to avoid a wider conflict.
If that was the reason,sound thinking.

David Nigel Braham, Milan, Italy

Someone earlier pointed out that the Iranians were happy seizing "blue eyed blonde haired" western soldiers. They should know that Iranians are as much Caucasian as any in Europe or the US would like to believe of themselves. If you can't come up with anything sensible then spew out racism.

A. N., London,

ahh, the rosy reflections of revisionists: ollie north traded arms for hostages in violation of the policy to NEVER negotiate with terrorists. Carter might disappoint you, I am a fan and he was my president, too. the aussie here who commented on the cultural decline of the US betrays his fear that someday we might sink beneath australia.

tragically, the stench of tonkin is all about this incident. the power behind the W has been forced to instigate a conflict prior to the ignominous ouster that awaits the GOP in 2008. i do not suffer delusions that the Dems are free from such infuence, but I do recognize this vaudeville act of partisan appearances as the distraction it is; attracting the attention of the masses while the betrayal continues unabated.

your papers, please?

c thompkins, montgomery,

There are a bunch of possibilities here, I think.

1. The Iranians decided to test allied resolve and grabbed the British team, not a bright idea, but war is unlikely to result from the nabbing of 15 men.

2. The Iranians honestly thought the British were in territorial waters and captured them. Can't blame anyone for protecting their own borders.

3. The British were not on any routine boarding mission and were captured snooping where they shouldnt have been. In such a case I think the Iranians would have made a bigger stink but its not beyond either the US or UK to put forces into Iran to have a looksy.

What troubles me, is if this is a boarding operation I'd "assume" the RIB's were in visual range of the home ship. Meaning they were under the cover of its gun (I'm assuming a 76mm). How, why, were Iranian patrol ships allowed to approach without warning to stay away? The detail will come hopefully.

SP, San Jose, California

Daryl, Melborne, The RIBS have been perfoming these boardings since the 1990's this is a very common event.

For all those ppl wanting war i suggest you get some sense and realise that if it happens alot of ppl will die and ALOT of ships will be sunk.

When we entered the NAG in the summer of 05 the main threat was from the Iranian missiles that tracked our every move.

Like someone mentioned before i too have witnessed alot of tension in that area with Iranian Boats opening fire on the dhowls for us to not be able to do anythign because it was happening 2km away in Iranian waters.

The truth is if we go in with force to get our guys n girls back they will probably be killed.

Ex-Royal Navy Sailor, Plymouth, Devon

Figures. The Iranian cowards won't go after our boys because they know and rightfully fear our response, so they go after our friends in an attempt to sow disunity. Typical Iranian behavior. All this has done is push us closer to war and themselves closer to becoming a parking lot. It wont be long before our considerable naval presence in the area will receive orders to fire on sight.

Russ, San Francisco, US

If the servicemen were in international waters when captured then this surely amounts to an act of war – one which should be responded to in kind.

Michael Andrews, Blackburn, Lancashire

So, why didn't the HMS Cornwall stop the kidnapping of the sailors? Was it so far away that it couldn't intervene, or is it because it wouldn't support their own crewmates?
It is fortunate for the Iranian sailors involved that they did this to the Brits, and not to the Americans.

Lee Hadden, Sterling, VA, USA

you reaping the reward for YOUR government's public statement (was it Jack Straw?) that war with Iran is "unimaginable". " If you preemptively emasculate yourself, don't be surprised when others push you around like a little girl."

harold, pei, canada

"the Americans under Israeli orders will try to provoke the Iranians?????". Unbelievable how some people can twist any story so that it's Israel's fault. The Iranians grabbed British sailors and need to free them immediately. End of story.

MH, New York, USA

I whish the very best of luck to these brave men, my thoughts and support to their families, and hope that the Royal Navy and the UK government will take with determination every appropriate action to get them out of the fangs of these pirates (a much stronger qualifier comes to my mind, but moderator might not allow it here). However, I think the lack of air support in that kind of operation is simply astonishing. If applicable, my apologies for my loose English.

C. Le Cannellier, Cherbourg, France

Navy it's no just a job, it's an adventure!
Seems that the Iranians are lecturing the British sailors which coastal waters they are allowed to their job...next time better put attention to the teacher...

Pipo, London,

HMS Cornwall is a sophisticated listening post. It can track activity on and under the surface and in the air. It is armed with sea-wolf missiles and a 4.5 radar guided gun. Yet, it was totally useless in seeing the Iranians coming and in defending the marines. The incident is not just a diplomatic one but a serious failure by the Royal Navy. Despite the 2004 capture of marines by Iran, despite knowing that Iran contests the waterway boundaries, and desoite knowing that tensions with Iran have been increasing the commander of HMS Cornwall was looking the other way?

Graham Smith, London, UK

What you must remember is that Ahmadinejad would like nothing better than to provoke a conflict with the west. He shares an apocolyptic view of the future that seems fairly common in that part of the world. The have been taught for centuries that the dar al harb (house of war - the west) will some day try to destroy Islam. The recent generation of Jihadis is actively trying to make that prophecy come true.

keith marker, london,

Hmmm, You Brits don't seem to rule the waves any longer, do you?

James, Mortain, France

This incident will blow over very quickly. If the marines or the RN frigate had over-reacted it could have become very serious. This is all about posturing.

R Bingham, Lauzun, France

Firing upon multiple vessels would probably be fruitless, a violation of the rules of engagement, and a danger to the sailors captured.

Probably this says more about infighting among Iranian factions than it does anything else.

Another possibility is that the Iranians are due to get the laundry list of sanctions from the UN and this is their way of trying to deflect the public eye.

Mark, Greenville, SC USA

Does the British government support the abduction of Iranian consular officials in Iraq? You know, it is usually quite difficult to support double standards. I do not know where the British sailors and marines were taken, but such is normally the nature of the dispute. I hope of course that they are quickly released and without any duress or harm, and the same for the Iranian consular officials held captive by the United States. We must all work to see that no new and more catastrophic war breaks out with Iran over such incidents as this.

John, Seattle, USA

The West has a long debt with Iran. Let us not forget the Hostage crisis of the 70's for which Carter did nothing. I think it's time to show Iran and the Muslim world who rules the world. The Muslims have been at battle against the west from the times of Troy. Alexander conquered them, we should do the same again.

scuti, London, UK

While I am not enamored about either Britain or the U.S. being in the Gulf in force, it is supposed to be an international waterway, and Iraq is supposed to have territorial waters. And I think the Europeans have been claiming for some time that they would support U.N. actions with regard to Iran. If you want to give up on this line, where do you draw the next one?

James Fox, Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA

So where was HMS Cornwall during this encounter? They could not have been far away (inflatable craft used by the saiilors). Why did they not see the Iranian vessels crossing into Iraq waters and run an intervention path to stop this from happening? HMS Cornwall is a war ship after all!

Ian, New York,

If our men were in Iraqi waters action should have been taken to protect them. Our authorities must have had warning that other ships were in the vicinity.

Peter Wright, Plymouth, U.K

I dont believe we have been given the truth, the question is what were the troops really doing? (were they SAS or covert operations??) Since when do navy small rubber power boats venture from the motherships cover, unless they were up to no good. And surely the HMAS Cornwell was more of a threat to the Iranians. If the navy was really spying the Iranians are quite within their rights to act.

Daryl, Melborne,

I think we should wait until the facts/circumstances are revealed in more detail before we criticise the British Navy. In the meantime I hope that Tony Blair is demanding that these marines and sailors are released unharmed immeaditely. Blair should be using all his skill and influence to facilitate a speedy resolution to this situation.

Peter O'Brien, London, England

Well Starling from Lancaster, "what's this got to do with the US ?" we're allies engaged in joint military operations. Pull your head out and don't be so naive. You may have some problem with the US, but if you ask your military if they are glad that the United States has their back, I believe the answer would be yes. Our countries relations bring far more benefits than detriments, whether you want to admit it or not. The problem here is the Iranians, time and again, not the actions of the British navy. They were on the proper side of the internationally agreed border between Iraq and Iran. With, the existence of GPS there is no reason for dispute any more. This is a calculated provocation by the Iranian government. This is who we are dealing with, so don't turn it around and blame the US or Great Britian. Iran is the belligerant here.

Ian Turner, Austin, Texas USA

How come British ships perform controls in these waters?

John, Geneva,

OIL PRICES.
According to CNN, $62 price is up only .31 from yesterday, so the Iran naval affair has actually had negligible effect so far. That's as of 1:15pm New York time.

Arik Silverman, Milwaukee, WI/USA

You Brits boarded US ships in 1812.
Still haven't learned your lesson.
Three Cheers for Iran.

Arik Silverman, Milwaukee, WI/USA

The second time the British Navy has managed to lose its personnel,what happend to a once great Navy?...A military with no backup.............

S farmer, Blackburn, Lancashire

This is a slap in the face to the Royal British Navy. This same British Navy that once dominated the WORLD. This must not go unanswered. A firm naval response must be initiated by the British Navy up to and including a Naval Blockade of all Iranian Civilian or Military vessels. The Persians and Arabs understand one thing only...FORCE! Has anyone out there noticed that the Iranians never attempt such bravado with the American Navy? That's due to one simple reason. We will apply an appropriate naval response including the threat of an imminent and overwhelming naval assault. The British invented what is known as 'Gun Boat Diplomacy’; do not let this Iranian aggression go unanswered. The Sun will never set on Great Britain, God Bless the Queen!!

Niwa, Atlanta, USA

This is crazy even the Cornwall Cpt. thought it was a bit gray on the map when it came to teritorial waters,

"occurred in waters whose ownership was a highly contentious"

so who is right ? as always Might is right. But I think The Iranians are playing smart & keeping a keen watch for the slightest slip up, by NATO forces operating illigaly in the area.

So if Amerika & UK are looking for an excuse, well here's a good one the Isralie's only wiped out 1200+ people for 2 guys.. But i still fail to understand this as Iran Dose Technicaly have the right to Nuke power plants.. under the IAEA regulations its a long read but you SHOULD read it, any one with an avrage IQ should be able to understand it.

I just hope no one else gets hurt & the Lieing froma all sides can be put down at some point.. as its impossible who to belive..

Mike, London,

The Virginian doesn't seem to have been watching the news recently. "Righteous might" has not been conspicously suuccessful next door in Iraq, perhaps the might is not so mighty, or just perhaps, we might not be in the right?

Iain, Nottingham, England (not the 51st State)

scaremongering.

shackleton, london,

forgive me for being suspicious but the one voice for war here (on 'righteous might') comes from Arlington Virginia, the HQ of the CIA - does the US have an interest in this provocation? are Brit soldiers being used as bait for an intended confrontation - as another commentator says - as in the Gulf of Tonkin incident?

Tim Anderson, Sydney, Australia

Interesting:
American's rednecks scream for WAAAR here. The more sophisticated Brits understand the complexity of the situation and beg to differ.

This says everything about the cultural difference between these two countries. Sad to say but America is going down the drains.

R. Pawlit, Graz, Austria

With 99% of responders ready to go to war, maybe we should first wait for the facts. Remember something about "weapons of mass destruction," "imminent danger," and a number of other what turned out to be fabricated claims. The problem is very simple. Any person with a $300 GPS can now unquestionably determine where they are. If the Brits were in Iranian waters and got caught, then they should apologize, and the Iranians after a few days of "debriefing" by the Iranians should release the soldiers. If not, then the Iranians should immediately surrender the captives. I doubt very much that neither the Brits or the Americans would hand any Iranian a beach towel should they stray into either British or American waters.

Frank, Florida, USA

Oh dear! What is Iran doing..giving reasons to be invaded ???

Howard, Milton Keynes , UK

Anyone seen charles chamberlaine?

m reid, winnipeg,

After all of the pain and misery caused by the last two destructive and pointless wars that have followed the US and UK's invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, it deeply troubles me anyone could still hold, let alone express the kind of aggressive, cretinous and jingoistic views that are written by WIlliam Worsely above.

Nik, London, England

Just what everyone needed, more tension in the Gulf. Britain should not rest until her servicemen, and also notably, their boats are returned. A deadline should be given to Iran. If Iran proposes to hold British servicemen indenfinitely, then that is nothing less than an act of war, and should be recognized for hat.

Seán Murphy, Cork, Ireland

These soldiers and sailors will stay prisoners until Iran gets what it wants from the U.K. There are few Britons left with the backbone needed for teaching these agressors a lesson. And none of them are in your nation's government.

Perhaps the EU will give you permission to aplogize to Iran.

Kenneth Lizotte, Bristol, USA, Vermont

I fear we are falling more into Al-Qaeda’s hands. Attacking Iraq has bolstered their membership and prestige. Having that lead to a war with Iran will essentially remove (or at least reduce) their most serious regional rival without them having to lift so much as a finger. The only thing I find more amazing than this plan’s genius is the fact we seem to be following it.

Greg, Chicago, USA

Do u the world community ever ask the British, the Austalian or the American Troops " What have u guys lost in the Gulf that u are so intent in finding? " I only know one thing and it is before u wrestle someone u should have a clear study of the oponent's might as well. Guys, Iran is not poor Faulkland islands or some poor Carribean island to occupy and make a big shout about it. Also Iraq war is a lost one so no wise man will ever step into a bigger mire...

Ebrahim, Ardebil, Iran

This is an outrage and i hope we treat it as such. Coming on the back of president Amigoingmad's comments about kidnapping "blonde haired blue eyed" westerners it was obviously a premeditated and calculated act to ruffle our, and the wests, feathers, ordered by the president himself. I hope we get these soldiers back safely and then take some form of retalitory action against Iran. Events like this (along with many many others) only serve to show that Iran is one of the most irresponsible and dangerous nations on the planet today and should never be allowed the opportunity to have any type of nuclear technology whatsoever.

J W Randall, Edinburgh,

The fact that the captain of the Cornwall allowed this to occur is disturbing. Under no circumstances should this commander have allowed the boarding detail to operate outside of the Cornwall's direct overwatch. George from Birmingham, you're right. Tony Blair needs to ignore the Labour Party people in Parliament and take immediate action with the support of the US, Australia, etc. to shut down Iran's ports, border crossings, and start detaining ALL Iranian citizens present within Iraq and Britain and continue said actions until such time as Britain's sailors and marines are returned unharmed. The Union Jack deserves this resolve decisiveness. It's good to here common Britons don't always follow the Labour guys.

Erik, Houston, USA

We must make the Iranians pay dearly for this.

Cliff Pooley, Cheltenham,

Why is it that no where in this Article is there a mention of the Iranian stand. Why didnt anyone ask them anything or interview them? Shouldn't the news be objective and cover the issue by a process of FULL discovery?

Jeff, Vancouvert , Canada

How is it possible for Iranian warships to sneak up on the royal navy and abduct 15 of its sailors?! Where was the Cornwall and what was it doing?

E Dychen, Cape Cod, Mass., USA

Why did Royal Marines allow themselves to be taken by these pirates? The Captain should court martialed. I hope Blair has more backbone than Jimmy Carter. These men must be liberated immediately!

Mike Butcher, Bixby, Oklahoma, USA

Having served in the Shatt al-Arab during the summer of '04, when the other British forces were seized, I have witnessed Iranian aggression, un-provoked, towards Iraqi fisherman, merchants and international forces. You might be interested to know that Iraqi mariners greatly appreciate the coalition presence to protect them from Iranian forces and Iranian protected "ali-baba." I found it amusing that when mariners called us for assistance, announcing they were being attacked by “ali-baba” or pirates, that these pirates fled un-molested into Iranian territorial waters, where we did not pursue them. Thus, I think this situation is a little more clearly defined than a Gulf of Tonkin incident. It would seem restraint has been the order of the day since my last “visit” to the NAG or North Arabian Gulf and will most likely continue to be.

A. Jones, Mobile, AL , USA

It's simply take any goverment politics out of the equation and it goes somethign like this:

You took our forces ilegally
Return them unharmed with in 8hrs
Or we'll come and take them back and sort you out at the sametime.

Stephen, Northants, UK

I know that diplomacy is the sensible answer to resolving this situation but surely I can't be the only one that would like Tony Blair to give Iran 24hrs to return our servicemen - or else. It's like dealing with children, when they're naughty you punish them and hope they'll learn from it. You don't pander to them and thereby allow them to turn into spoilt brats. Iran is making the rules I suggest we play the game.

Andy, London,

British personnel should be protected at all costs by the British government, right or wrong. I see no reason for the Iranians to detain our personnel other than to provoke a diplomatic incident. Our troops are being used as a bargaining tool by the Iranians and the sooner they realise that their actions only gain them negative publicity on the world stage, the better.

Paul, Shanghai, China

Iran has overstepped the mark into actively and openly promoting global terrorism. I think it's about time that Britain and the U.S. showed that Iran's bullying is beyond tolerable.

Ian Clarke, Lancaster, UK

Probably some kind of retaliation for the (alleged?)assasinations of Iranian miliary figures. Also, if Iran is supplying Iraqi paramilitary groups, disruption of the border area security could ease the movement of supplies into the country. The Iranian governmment, with no real effort, has the UK government by the throat, with no real leverage over the Iran it is is really a question of wwaiting. No doubt the process of release will be dragged out to spread discontent in the forces and public also. From a global point of view, this facade exposes the lack of influence the UK has over Tehran without US backing.

Phil, Pardew,

This is an act of war against Britain by a nation that routinely thumbs it's nose at the international community. If those servicemen are not released immediately, Britain should respond with force. The Iranian actions are ridiculous.

I pray that those brave men are released unharmed.

Ken, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

If you have a drink every time you hear the words 'World War 3' this weekend you'll have a buzz on til Tuesday,

Mikey, Brixton, ENGLAND

Remember the American Embassy hostage crisis in Iran in 1979/90? Went on for more than a year under a weak American president, Jimmy Carter. The Iranians released the hostages the day Reagan was inaugurated. They knew that Reagan would never tolerate any hostage taking of Americans. But that episode badly damaged the fear that totalitarian regimes had that the free world would confront them. We are facing down the thugs of the world in one small corner - Iraq - and you see again how weak the resolve of the free world is to deal with facism, except for Bush. The Iranians didn't capture American sailors because they know that Bush would respond immediately with force to free the hostages. If the Iranians are able to hold the British sailors with impunity, you will see the jihadists in Britain and Europe gain confidence and ramp up their terrorist threats and acts.

Mike Nelson, Ventura, CA

Ive read a few comments about well lets just go to war with Iran. I think thats insane i have served in the Navy and was in the exact same area in late 2005.
Iran and coaliation forces were literally a stones throw away from each other,
All the ships that enter the NAG (North Arabian Gulf) are within range of alot of Iranian Missiles and if war was to errupt we would end up with a good number of ships at the bottom.
The lads did the right thing by not opening fire...... Ive read reports that there were up to 6 bigger Iranian Boats, if a gun battle had taken place it would of been like shooting fish in a barrel...........where do u hide from incoming fire on a RIB???

Hopefully Iran will just flex there arms a little make themselves look powerfull then hand back our guys n girls... Maybe then when they come home i might be able to go with a drink with them once again.

Ex-Royal Navy Sailor, Plymouth, Devon

Berdy , Port St Lucie, Fl

I think that the Iranians were out of line by capturing the British sailors. I think that the British government should do everything possible to get the sailors out of Iran. Iran is looking for a confrontation with te west.

Berdy, Port St Lucie, Florida

Iran is clearing using the siezure of British personnel, as it has done many times in the past, to gain leverage for something it wants.

Is there not a UN Security Council agenda item regarding Iran being debated right now? What a coincidence.

Iran has acted in bad faith since the Ayatollah' s Revolution in 1978 set that nation's civilization back a thousand years.

Jeffery B. West, El Paso, Texas, United States of America

Bottom Line:
Some say the British troops shouldn't have been there in the first place.
Why not? They are in Iraqi waters at the request of the Iraqi government. A better question would be, why were the IRANIANS there, not the other way around. I personally hope this all gets defused, but if not? If God forbid something was to happen to the British soldiers? Then I hope the British retaliate a Hundred Fold.

Mike, Wilmington, US

Let the world use this as an excuse to attack Iran...and I say this is a very unsarcastic...serious manner. Iran is a threat to world peace and must be neutralized.

jason, philadelphia,

Good God, what is this comments page, an impromptu Liberal Democrat Party Conference?

If the British sailors were in Iranian waters, then the government should apologise, at which point, they should be returned. If the British sailors were illegally seized, then they should be returned, immediately. Either way, they should be returned - and the Iranian's don't, at time of writing, seem to eager to do that.

The question of 'whether we should be in the Gulf' is neither here nor there, neither is the legitimacy of the Iraq War. If the Iranian's have kidnapped these sailors, then they are in the wrong, end of story. These sailors are real people, and they do not deserve to be lumped together with Bush and Blair's foreign policy.

Oh, and by the way, these Iranians who may well be out kidnapping British armed forces personnel are the same people that want nuclear weapons - er, sorry, I mean, they want nuclear reactors, for peaceful energy production. Yeah, sure.

Chris, Bristol,

The rules of engagement in such circumstances are such that it would be very difficult, if not impossible, for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines to use lethal force to protect themselves, regardless of the position of the 'mother ship'. The US use a different definition of 'hostile intent' to the rest of NATO and consequently their rules of engagement are more lenient. Therefore the Iranians know better than to attempt such a stunt with US forces. The British, however,...

Praetorian, Oxford, United Kingdom

Starling, Lancaster

'The Pentagon has confirmed it' is in reference to the use of U.S global surveilance.
The U.S have as much if not more at stake in the region when British troops are held hostage so it does not seem to be irrational when U.S and British intelligence work together to reach a quick and safe solution to the current situation.

Mowinckel, London/New York,

"the righteous might"? Surely, you can see that talk and action so rash can only lead to more conflict and not resolution. I think we should consider the results of America et al's recent demonstrations of such righteous might before condemning us to even more wastage both of human and economic resources.

Richard, Plymouth, Devon

Lets remember, that the Nazi invasion of Poland in 1939 was a just reprisal for a border incursion into German territory, but the perpetrators were, as we now know, Germans dressed in Polish uniforms. Nothing is as straightforward as it seems. The US and UK have been fishing for an excuse for a war with Iran for years. Get the press and public worked up and all reason disappears and the killing machine gets let lose.
Sorry but its not worht the death of one person, and US and British forces should get out of where they don't belong.

Trevor, Thetford, UK

If the British boats were in the Iranian waters then England must appologize to Iran and that is that, but if the British boats were in the Iraqi waters and Iranian boats captured them then Iran must release all the British sailors at once and close this incident and make sure that id does not happen again.
What Iran must do is not to try to intimidate the Brttish at this time,but try to show restrain even if provoked in order not to give an excuse for the American administration to steer trouble for Iran and the rest of the wrold in the gulf.

Now the seizure of British marines rose the price of oil to $62.00 per barrel,it alrready had a negative effect on the world economy.

Iran must also know that the Americans under Israeli orders will try to provoke the Iranians before their president comes to the U.N to present the Iranian case before the security council.

The American and the British peopels are against the war so is the U.S congrees ,iran must help them so they can end the

Vespasianus, Paramus , N.J U.S.A

Easy.. Remember the Gulf of Tonkin incident? Hopefully the diplomats can defuse this before it gets out of hand.

L.R. Watson, Duncanville, Tx USA, USA

Let's get things in the right order: British naval-forces (or -gazers in this instance) shouldn't be in the Persian Gulf in the first place.

Alfonso Parelli, London, UK

If the Iranians want war, then let it start here. They will face the righteous might of the UK, US, and Australia.

William Worsley, Arlington, Virginia

Time to get our boys back, this will only happen time and again unless we back up the tough talk.

george, birmingham,

Granted we don't have much detail yet, but this does seem bizarre, and prompts a number of questions: If the ribs were from Cornwall then presumably the 'mother ship' was not too far away. Did they detect the presence of the Iranian vessels and if yes, why did they (or could they) not act to prevent this (apparently) illegal detention? Under what orders do the officers of HM ships operate in these circumstances? Are they not allowed to defend our forces?

Dom Oxford, Oxford,

The Pentagon has confirmed it? What's this got to do with the US?

Starling, Lancaster,

What worries me is that there does not seem to be any backup support for personnel.
Why wasn't other military personnel sent when they were in trouble, such as helicopters or even planes?
Would the Iranians had taken those people if threatened by instant reprisal from an attack helicopter or plane.....

Seems the British navy has fallen a long way under the Labour government.

A. Sturgeon, London,