Britain what is wrong? A few months ago you allowed Iran to capture several sailors when you could have blown those Iranians to their future reward, and now you allow them just to wander over the border and kidnap civilians? What would Winston Churchill or Margaret Thatcher have done?

Mitchell, Douglasville, USA

No offense to our Candain "allies" who keep chiming in in regards to the cost of the Irag war...but exactly how many troops do you have serving over there??? Seriously, with the exception of the failed Dieppe raid and what was it, Sword or Juno at D-Day (both easy beaches ) what have you ever done?

RC, Houston, USA

Unfortunately, the play out will be that nothing will be done UNTIL Iran has weopponized AND used one. By then it will be too late and those who are against acting now, will ask WHY we did not do anything sooner.

At least, that would remove all doubt but then its too late.

Phil, Atlanta, U.S.

Yes, again the same mania they had orchestrated before the invasion of Iraq. Warmongers want to coral into Iran now and fling thousands of innocent lives into the spiral of death. And it is so sad many people in the West snap up the lies, allowing the war machine to start its ominous move. Idiocy.

Farshid, Tehran, Iran

Again accusing Iran for things which are not proved...This is the same rhetoric western media had applied before Iraq 's invasion. Im tired of this dirty game of propaganda ...Why there is no article on number of Iranians who are kept in Israel for the last 25 years...

Stephan, Sydney, Australia

you can't trust what what you read in these propaganda papers any more.

andrew, new york city, u.s.a

Iran last attacked another nation 270 years ago, while Israel has done so at least 4 times in 60 years .... hmmmmm. We side with the aggressor but accuse others of the fault we have ourselves?

Andy Dyer, London, UK,

Remember Don Pacifico?

I wonder if Gordon Brown does and whether he has the guts.

Jon Quirk, Johannesburg, South Africa

Black propaganda pumped out by the media supported by those who brought death and destruction to the streets of baghdad. If they want to set the stage for another sanguinary war, they got to find a better ploy. Isn't it the idiocy peddled in the West? How many deaths for oil giants? how many more?

Farshid, Tehran, Iran

Just because Bush is itching to start World War III to be a hero in, and finally outdo his dad - which is all he ever wanted - we don't have to believe him. On the contrary. Read up on the characteristics of the "dry drunk". We don't have to be his enablers. On the contrary.

Julia Iskandar, London, England

So what? There are plenty of Iraqi and even no doubt a few Iranians who are being held in US prisons including the infamous Guantanamo Bay. Instead of empty accusations we know the USA/Britain/Israel sponsors terror in Iran and at least it sounds like these Brit prisoners are being decently treated.

Rabbit, Perth, Australia

If they are indeed in Iran, then send in the SAS and the RAF to rescue them and then teach the Iranians a lesson. And use this as an excuse to destroy the Iranian nuclear facilities so as to avoid a proliferation of nukes in the Middle East.

Daniel Fernandes, Middle England, UK

Wow.

The warmongering of the Americans on this comment section is truely frightening. If you are so keen on taking Iran out you should sign up and cross the border yourself.

I honestly hope you have a huge recession. It will be the only thing to put an end to the insanity of America.

rxr, crewe,

The two sources are very likely Israeli in Israel and pro-Israeli neocons in the US.

More gov propaganda via Murdock.

Lew, San Jose, USA

Hmmmm it is called "RENDITION" and guess who is the leader in the rendition field. Yep, you got it, Bush's administration. When one engagfes in totally immoral, illegal behavior and even brags about why you cvan do it, guess what, when the other country follows your lead, you have no moral authori

Mari, Mesa, USA

I don't believe this at all. I hope the troops don't either.

j m smith, okc, us

What gives you the right to attack any cointry in the world? You are the terrorist of the world!! Bringing death and misery wherever you go. And then you complain that everyone hates you!! Get real. Asian economies are going to give you a run for your dollar in a few years time.

Imran, Mombasa, Kenya

Good to see so many balanced views here. Britain and the US have a lot to answer for but the solution to this is still in Israel. Palestine being oppressed means the US and British troops in Iraq provide the perfect target. We were fools to believe our leaders about WMDs. Shame on us

G, Worcester,

@Marty,

The media has not been a watchdog against our administrations for quite a long time now. Neither have been the People.

Though, I give thumbs up to both your thesis and closing sentence.

dc, Newport News, VA, USA

You hear this stuff all the time. Accusations made with little or no basis. Something like "Oh, two people told me the same story. It must be true. I'll state it as if it is fact." Or "How do I get my country to start a war? tell them lies"

Nevin, Grand Rapids, USA

If these four British citizens are being held in Iran by the Revolutionary Guards, the Iranian government is involved up to its neck. If they are there, don't count on the British government to rescue them. When Iran took British marines and sailors hostage-an act of war-UK leadership wimped out.

Terry L. Walker, Ladson, SC / USA

The same suckers are getting wound up with the identical M.O. of the Iraq debacle. It's bizarre to watch the desperate attempt to use American lives in an Israeli proxy war again. Do they really think another war would only be fought oversees? China will instantly lay waste to attackers' countries.

M.D. McCabe, Sao Paulo, Brazil

who cares it's time to finish the war iran started death to all tyrants ps if you think the usa was the evil country you would already be dead

james, davis, usa/ca

MIKE in NYC said- "There is no place for private militias in a civilized country unless your objective is to take over and establish yet another islamic republic." So then BLACKWATER sould leave Iraq, Afghanistan, and shouldn't have been patrolling in New Orleans after Katrina? :)

John, chicago,

Iran will pay very soon for their involvement. The Iranian people are also at fault for letting their political leaders drag their country into this; therefore, they will pay the price along with them. The rediculous daily chanting of Death to the USA will soon be answered with death from USA.

Paul, Springfield, USA

I see a lot of people complaining that the sources are not names. The problem with namin sources inside Iran is that once you do so, the sources tend to disappear.

Robert, Austin Texas, USA

Let's Not start WW3 or have a Nuclear Atrocity because of 5 Brits(4 Mercenaries/Contractors)supposedly kidnapped. Would YOU want Thousands or Millions of people to die in order to set YOU free? The wave of propaganda day after day sickens me. What next? Sources claim Iran caused Hurricane Katrina?!

Nigel, Whitby, u.k.

I hope all of you people who believe this BS and want war with Iran will be at the recruiting station on Monday morning. Semper Fi

robert, pompton lakes, usa

To Mike Both, Granada, Spain,
Hostages in Iran, could indeed be manipulation but... why would the Iranians believe that Britain would take action after the British military did not for its hostages? And you write from Spain that was bombed and then caved to Islam? Spain will be Islamic in 50 years.

MF, Glenwood Springs, USA

We must stop this attempt by Iran to release these men. We hear only the drumbeat for war. We see the true intent of all headlines. War!

-Brought to you by the baby boomer generation and their acolytes.

Brandon, Idaho Falls, USA

Your dilusional with your perceived power, the Dollar is in free fall, oil prices are increasing at an alarming rate and USA is in the beginning of a long recession. Attack Iran and oil will be 200,300, 400 $ for a long time to come - the end of the US economy based on oil and debt.

T.Andre, London,

The problem with Iran is with the gov't and a minority of the people. Mr. 'Iminneedofjihad' is unpopular as are the radical imams and mullahs. Reagan took down the USSR in an econmic and propagana war, we can do the same to Iran and the islamofascists. They are trying do the same to US.

Bob, Washington, DC,

Don Wayne from Georgia, good idea, but they have a lot of oil so instead of a parking lot for Walmart, let's at least give them a Target, JCPenney, whatever. Maybe a Saks selling designer Bhurkas.

George Dallas, Dallas,

Why bomb them? Just send over Wal-Mart, American Idol and Mc Donald's restaurants.

Patrick, Alabama, USA

Why is it that some US and UK citizens believe terrorists and nation-states that support them? We live in a free society with political parties, the media and various groups serving as watchdogs to any administration. Western societies have done more good for the world and yet their is disdain.

Marty, Ft Walton Beach, United States

Hmmmm, by any chance cause have these WMD's been moved from Iraq to Iran as well?.... If you're not in armed forces, stay out of the war zone.

Mike, West Co, USA

I wonder if this intelligence is coming to us via Israel? Israel would love for us to take out Iran.
If we do fight Iran, let's do it from 40,000 feet. We have the technology, let's use it.

Stan, Arbuckle, USA

I say it is past the time to make Iran a parking lot for the new Walmart Supercenter in Iraq.

Don Wayne, Georgia, USA

The war was never justified and the strategy has been flawed. Withouty question something had to be done about Sadam
but, we should not have acted unilaterraly when we, as a country, were not in immediate or imminent danger. This was, and is, a global problem.
Dick Bolduc

Dick Bolduc, Mashpee, MA. 02649, United States

The Iranians are the ones sending financial support and armaments to the Iraqi insurgency. Iraq will not have peace until Iran is dealt with.

And if we pull out of Iraq, Iran will invade Iraq to claim it for its own. Their politics will heavily sway the entire region... to everyone's detriment.

R, San Diego, United States

kill them before they kill us. your liberal back-stabbing liberal socialists had the same info the president had,and voted to finally put an end to the enemy. except the muslim ?. what about all the semi-trucks going into syria ? what do you think was in them ? ice-cream ? clinton wont end the war.

michael, new port richey fl, united states

People crying about Iranian oil need to know a couple facts... Just as Iraq before the Iraq war: THE USA DOES NOT GET OIL FROM THOSE COUNTRIES. The impact is on world demand which will likely raise prices for everyone. Countries that continue to do business with the Iran's thugocracy arent innocent

Bill , Chicago, USA

Time to put up or shut up. OIL FOR WAR!

Russ, Chicago, USA

Given that the UK has completely and totally capitulated to the Muslim extremists inside its own borders, it is hardly surprising that they would leave five of their own citizens in Iranian captivity for a year or 5 years for that matter.

tp, Austin, US

Zippy has it right except for one thing. One high powered bullet worth 75 cents would solve the problem in Zimbabwe. That country has been wasted and the people terrorized by a Thugabe. As for Iran, if there are 5 or even 1 British citizen being held there, another 75 cents would solve that problem.

MARK SMYTH, TORONTO, CANADA

to tell the truth< i think this war has put the whole world in harms way< we need to sit down and talk.

war is just not the way to solve world problems, i am 44 years old and i would go to war to protect my country but
i also would go to war with a sorry heart.

bob, chicago, usa

Time to get a clue. Time to take this country out.

D. Marshall, Chicago, USA

People against President Bush always bring up the lack of WMD. Iraq did have WMD's; chemical and biological. Iraq was required to destroy them and they did but only to a degree and then they stopped. Bush thought they were pursuing nuclear, but no one was sure. We demanded they comply; they didn't

Robert Morris, Detroit, USA

You have to be a moron if you dont believe Iran is fueling the Iraqi war! They are waiting for a democrat to step into the U.S. Presidency and withdraw troops. Our strategy is foolish and if we withdraw troops it will merely prolong the war. We made the mistake of entering, can't leave now

jeff, Los Angeles, U.S.A.

Honest to God! What part of "we are at war," do you not understand? These are jihadists who will stop at nothing to establish a Caliphate from Britain to the Phillipines.

As for "we need their oil"... What do you think the price of oil will be if we attack Iran? We wiil....

After the election

David Farrow, Charleston, S.C. , USA

Nice touch with the "held in Iran". Sounds like the mantra that led us up to war with Iraq. What's next.....WMD's in Iran? I hope the public isn't stupid enough to fall for this crap.

Jasmine, Los Angeles,

You would think that people would have had enough of this propaganda nonsense by now, hey look at the skies we are being sprayed with chemicals every day by an armada of aircraft, nothing in the news about this of course, just gotta kill those innocent Muslims, we need their oil.

Arthur Guy, Gloucester,

If they were American citizens, I would certainly hope that despite political posturing, that they would be rescued. Since these poor people are British citizens, the British Government--I hope--shows more backbone than they did with their kidnapped Sailors and Marines.

Scott, Washington, DC, USA

Whether the IRanians are holding Brits or not, why are we not in a defacto state of war with Iran and Zimbabwe for their blatant human rights abuses against their own people? Its seems like we think that Europe was worth liberating from tyranny in WW2 but the Middle East isnt our responsibility.

Zippy, Bradford, UK

We should show pictures of British Nuclear Submarines leaving base and heading off. Then give Iran a final warning let the hostages go or face the consequences.

If they have not complied within seven days we nuke the to smithereens wIth a stark warning to Saudi and Pakistan they are next.

Peter, Chelmsford, England

Iran does not worry me at all. God Himself with annihilate the hellbound jihadists soon enough.

Jeremy, Mobile, USA

Don't you realize that liberals would rather wait until we are attacked before they do something? one million people dying from a nuke in America is much better than the U.S. going into Iran.

Rebecca, Lawrence, U.S.

When there are no more passports, and Iranians are free to enter UK with scrutiny, as from EU, then peace and justice will be achieved.

Right?

Olden Atwoody, Nottingham, UK

By the way, in case the libs didn't notice we have always had enemies other than the extremist Islamists, it is just that Ahmadinejad is one of the extremists and happens to be the Iranian president and sees his mission is to destroy America and Israel while at the same time building nukes.

Rebecca, Lawrence, U.S.

Thank you Jimmy(AKA the Peanut) Carter

terry, Melbourne, usa

We should have take Iran out of the picture years ago. It was one of the left's favorite presidents, the mild mannered peanut farmer from Georgia, who created the problem that is Iran of today. If we would have taken Iran out at the beginning, we would not have the problems we have today.

Todd, Denton, Texas, USA

Akman in London - anyone who has studied Islam knows it is not peaceful. Your religion is a playbook for deceit, kidnapping, and stall tactics when your "jihadists" take it on the chin from infidels. Too bad our politicians will not open their eyes to this fact, and get rid of their weak spines.

Todd, Denton, Texas, USA

Iran elects their leaders, so the entire population is responsible. What is this stupid talk about our ability to fight 3 wars and about loosing more soliders? To be compassionate drop the first nuke in the desert and give them 24 hrs to stop terrorism, Iraq war,nuke program, and oil economic war.

Gary, Dayton, USA

Iran declared war against the Western world as far back as the Carter Administration when they perpetrated an act of war on the US by invading our embassy and holding hostages for close to a year. You can look it up. The 'war" they started is going on 40 years.

Don Beier, Mahwah,NJ, United States of America

I say lets surrender now to Iran and the Jihadists and throw off the yoke of the evil American empire. We can definitely rely upon the kindness of the Iranians and the other future master China. They are definitely better, smarter, and more prone to being reasonable than the ignorant Americans.

Kevin, Memphis, USA

To His Majesty, King George II of the Colonies and Potentates of the United Kingdom: Kindly remove only Ahmadinejad "The Turk" and the ruling mullahs plus those of the Revolutionary Guard that you must. In God's Name, please spare the oppressed pro-democracy citizens of Iran from further suffering.

Gerald MacLennon, Lancaster, USA

another example of the British and also American being afraid of these countries If they look back on previous leaders they would be ashamed to call themselves leaders I policy of appesment gains nothing

Ralph Carney, Beverly Ma,, US

Iran is behind everything - the hostilities in Iraq, Hamas, Hezbola. Their objective is to create an Islamicly observant world according to THEIR view of Islam. Their unelected, theocratic dictators think that if they prevail their imam or some other such fanciful, imaginary character will appear.

MIKE in NYC, NYC, USA

What part of, “Going after terrorists and countries that sponsor terrorism,” does not one understand?

Dukas, Montreal, Canada

The source of the problems in Iraq today is the Shiite militias. The media reports about the militias as if the militias have some legitimacy. They do not. There is no place for private militias in a civilized country unless your objective is to take over and establish yet another islamic republic.

MIKE in NYC, NYC, USA

"You liberals", "lib", "move to Iran", etc. Thank you all for helping make Winthrop's (and later, Reagan's) 'City upon a hill' the worldwide horror/sideshow it has become today. Iran has not been a good example as a country by any stretch of imagination, but, then again, neither have we, have we?

Jeremy, Mississippi, USA

America needs more mosques and greater muslim presence in congress. That way, it will stop being so afraid of the religion of peace. The Israel lobby is too widespread in the US. England will not support an attack on the peaceful nation of Iran. England respects Allah.

Akman, London, UK

If I were an unscrupulous war-mongering politician wanting to stir up public opinion in favor of joining Bush and the Neocons in the invasion of Iran, I would put out a story that British hostages are being held by the Iranians.

Mike Both, Granada, Spain

Tony, appears you're the type that blames everyone else versus holding the ones that instigated the action accountable? (i.e. "My parents raised me wrong"). Riiiigghttt, Bush released a report about Brit's being held hostage in Iran. What if Iranians DO HAVE the Brit's you're type would do nothing!

Fra, San Diego, USA

"9/11 happened" Exactly the point! How about thinking why and who conducted 9/11. If the USA wants to attack someone, how about those people who instigated this disaster and not Iraqis, Iranians or Afghans - none of them were on any of the planes.

T.Andre, london,

9/11 happened. To all those afflicted with Bush psychosis, what would you have done in response if you were president? We are not in a war of choice. Rather, we are in a war of necessity. It sickens me to see so many more interested in scoring political points than in winning the war.

Dave, norristown, U.S.A.

Its time to march both armies straight over the boarder to Iran and cut the source for both weapons and money that are fueling this so called Jihad. Most muslims would agree this Jihad is unjust and opposite the true teaching of Islam.Now is the time before London and NYC get hit again and again.

Gabe Larue, Salt Lake City, USA

Not that it’s not possible but it’s very interesting that this comes out at the same day that bush and his gangs are starting another round of Iran bashing and opening the bag of “look what Iran has been doing”. Yesterday a cargo ship chartered by US military had to fire warning shots at some small boat “looked like Iranian” tomorrow we are going to hear another bombing by some insurgent backed by “Iranians” and……. The only hope the world has is that some how Barbara bush tells him to go to his room and don’t come out until November or she is telling his dad that he is drunk again.

tony amri, fontana, usa

Jackie, problem is, a lot of countries trusted us when we claimed Saddam had WMD. Trust is GONE. Full stop. If we invade now, we will expect everyone to just believe us. One of the most strategic errors of this war was to think that we are justified on just the word of our government. Not enough.

Krista Cole, Austin, TX., USA

I guess, based on the fact there were no WMDs any nation in the world can take whatever action against us they see fit and worry not about the repercussions. Hey Iran or more specifically Mr, AhMADinJIHAD go ahead and take whatever actions you feel necessary as you are a innocent victom - LOL!

Joe, USA, USA

Jeremy from Mississippi: You sound like a typical Liberal who can't read English properly. The source of this information is NOT the USA, it is coming from London & the Middle East.

Amar Hussein, Cairo, Egypt

I would like to thank the British Government and their soldiers for their decision to take a stand against terrorism. As a survivor of the 9/11 attack on the WTC I believe that the decision of all civilized nations to confront tyranny and countries that support terrorism is the correct one.

Nick, Millburn, USA

Maybe we can ask the French to help us get them back!

Boey, Compton, EU

You guys are all stupid...

The US is obviously picking a fight with Iran, and this article is living proof. WHO are your sources, Mahnaimi and Smith?

Iran doesn't want any part of them, period. Why would they?

Think about that.

Mike, Gloucester,

Iran's Foreign Minister today (Sunday) dismissed the Times report as baseless. He accused them of using unreliable sources - and noted that the abduction and secret incarceration of people is a practice frequently employed by the West.

Chris , Tehran, Iran

Utter propaganda? But if two sources said a bunch of marines killed civilians in cold blood I bet you would be all over that.

I agree that they need more info to act. This could easily be a misinformation move on Iran or a terrorist scam to get the US or the Brits to raid an empty target in Iran

Mark, DFW Metromess, USA

WOW! It seems that most of our support to go into Iran is from countries other than the U.S. Glad to hear it. We will need your support. Since we WILL be going in there. Maybe not now. But we will go! And why does it seem that every American thinks he/she has the right to know every aspect of intelligence regarding American affairs (i.e. Iraq/ Iran)? Being a citizen does not make you privy of such information!

Jason, Gilbert, Arizona, U.S. A.

Teheran or Hamadan. 2 places in iran. one way or another its in iran. i wonder what would have happened if people stoped believing anything negative about iran like some here propose. its a true shame some cowards wont accept what our enemies freely admit and hate their country as much as the enemy

Sean, USA,

Iran has been asking for a thrashing from Christendom since November 4th, 1979. Let's get the job done so we can all finally go home.

Patriot, Concord, Massachusetts

This article mentions nothing about U.S. intelligent sources. The source is from others. Threre is no doubt that Iran holds kidnapped people from many different countries. Israel, USA, Britian, etc. They are playing a dangerous game in the hopes that the west is tired of war and will do nothing.

Matt, Syracuse, USA

There is much evidence that Iran is backing the insurgency in Iraq. The UK can leave as it has done. Don't worry: America will pay the price and deliver as it always has.

Don Bridgewater, Andover IL , USA

Hey Jeremy from Mississippi,
So what you're saying is that no Brit's have been kidnapped and no Brits are being held in Iran .. I agree the Iranian government are totally trustworthy, I'm guessin' you're voting for Obama - good luck with that.

Ken, Toronto, Canada

We have been at war with Iran for a long time now, since 1979. we simply have not recognized the fact. The fight against Islamist extremism in the world is not simply against UBL band of terrorists, but also against Iran, and the fight in iraq is a proxy war in that fight.

Andy, Paoli, PA, USA

Which debacle is that Jeremy? And what drum beat for war with Irag? This story is coming from sources inside Iraq, not he US. You'll need to find someone other than your own country to blame for this one, lib.

Sageson, Austin, Texas

Rick Smith, Austin, USA

Jeremy:

An alternate story is that the pre-Iraq war drumbeats were, in fact, on target. It's not too hard to believe that the Iranian Govt is in league with the kidnappers. They've not exactly been model citizens of the world community.

Pete, Wakefield, RI

As a US military soldier, I am growing tired of Iran's blatant obstruction in the middle east. If they don't release our brothers in the UK, then I hope someone has plans to get them out regardless of the cost. It is time we step up to Iran.

Nathan, Fort Bragg,

"according to two separate sources in the Middle East and London"..... WHO?!?!? WHAT SOURCES?!?!? Isn't this one of the primary questions in journalism? I guess it doesn't even matter anymore... People will believe anything...

John, chicago,

The US is trying everything in its power to get Britain on-side for a strike against Iran. Without British support, the US will look increasingly rogue. This story is utter propaganda. Don't believe a word of any news item that tries to build anger towards Iran. Let Israel do its own dirty work.

David, London, UK

I guess Gordon Brown will show us what he's made of. For better or worse.

C., Atlanta, USA

this story is entirely believable. Iran has aided Shiites in Iraq after Desert Storm, before the invasion of Iraq, and continues to to this day. Bush hatred by so-called intellectual elitists given to "diplomacy" and "negotiation" are blind to Iranian involvement in the world-wide Jihad.

Ovid Holmes, Crockett,

How dare the Iranians look for a way to free the hostages that Iraqis gave them. If they keep acting like that the Iraqis probably won't let them have any more of their hostages and then what? Hmmm?

Stephen Burgoyne Coulson, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Clearly, the road out of Iraq runs through Tehran. It's time to quit the talk and cut the head of the snake, which is Iran. They are a safe-harbor for terrorists and enemies of the West. They are financing and, obviously, providing material support and troops inside Iraq.

Roger Ford, Pikeville, KY, USA

Don't tell Bush ...please !!

Bill, Edison , usa

What "pattern" will that be, Sarah? The freeing of detainees ?

How vicious! That's what happens when arrested gunboat
occupants aren't backed up by bombing campaigns!

You can smell the fetid nonsense of these claims from here. Same old,same old.

Iraq war.

Never again!

Pollard, Toronto, Canada

It makes me sick how many lambs there are that get led to slaughter. You don't believe butchers exist. They do. Blame it on politics.

Do you ever sit around and think about what the Jews in the holocaust thought? You lambs are asking for it. Why do I have to come with you?

doug, Atlanta, USA

More "unnamed sources". Very convincing stuff. Again.

If they were to give me stock tips, I would jump on it.

ed, Boston, USA

The war in Iraq is really a proxy war with Iran. Only an idiot would fail to acknowledge this. Everything that Iran has done since the US has invaded Iraq points to Iran's intentional, aggressive intervention in Iraq. This will support an eventual full-scale attack on Iran.

Patrick C., Irvine, USA

I just don't get you Bush haters & libertards. This story is about BRITISH CITIZENS, not Americans and has nothing to do with a drum beat to war by America or Pres. Bush. The UK is responsible for UK citizens not Bush. Maybe the UK should grow a pair on this time and demand Iran come clean or else.

Tim, Covington, USA

Iran has played dirty since the first Lebanese wars in the 80's. It is well documented that the Rev Guards ran kidnapping rings under the protection of Lebanese militias. In a spate of kidnapping they abducted American diplomats and international reporters.

Mark, L.A., USA

The headline seems a bit dishonest. Consider this:
"British officials said that while there had been rumours that the five were in Iran, they had seen no evidence to support the idea."

Damon F., Indiana, US

It seems ridiculous to think that anything about these hostages are related to "paving the way" for a war with Iran or anything like it. Such a lame excuse is not needed by the US administration or any other. Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons is adequate as a reason to attack, if it comes to that.

Jackson, Peoria, USA

These soldiers have families. Our hearts should go out to them. Quit thinking about yourselves.

Paul, Nashville, usa

Sorry... but his has been common knowledge for quite a while to those that live in the region and may be slightly more in the know than the armchair experts at home...

Simon, Baiji,

Didn't Iran capture fifteen British sailors sometime last year?

Since the response to that earlier crisis was cowardly and shameful, the aggressor naturally repeated its provocative behavior. Respond in the same fashion and most school children could predict that the pattern will be repeated.

Sarah Bellum, Thousand Oaks, California, USA

"according to two separate sources in the Middle East and London." "If there is no corroborating evidence, why are these rumours being published in the current sensitive climate?"Iran wants nukes to protect themselves so they can terrorize at will, this course was set in 1979. Enjoy being targeted.

Jon, Pittsburgh, USA

another 'pattern point' in the psyop to ready the gullible for an attack on Iran; same category as the mystery boats that 'attack' and run away, probably

Alex, ,

Frankly this sounds exactly like the the type of behavior the US has been engaged in since 9/11. Namely, the kidnapping of foreign citizens on foreign soil and the transfer to other nations for interrogation.

Randall Keith, salt lake city,

Hey Russell, peace at any cost?

j. ashby, weedsport, us

When Iran abducted members of the Royal Navy in international waters, and Britannia did.....NOTHING, this is what you get in return.

Ed, New York, USA

Surrrrre they are. Yet another bogus claim to "justify" an invasion of Iran. The NWO never ceases to humor me.

Arlo, Birmingham, USA

The UK should rescue their citizens . . . God help those who stand in the way of the freedom of my compatriots. . . I would personally fly to Iraq, weapons in tow, to free my friends.

John Adams, New Orleans, USA

You have to be deaf, dumb and blind to believe Iran is not involved in warfare, via Iraq, with the USA. You also must believe that their nuclear program is for energry production, disregarding their superior oil production. It's time you liberals stop blaiming this beautiful country . Move to Iran

Blaise Clemente, canton, USA

Is this supposed to pave the way for war with Iran? If there is no corroborating evidence, why are these rumours being published in the current sensitive climate? This is almost the equivalent of Clinton saying she would obliterate Iran. Print again when there is something to say.

Diane M, London, UK

Jeremy, for just a minute imagine if these guys were relatives of yours. Regardless of who your President is, this is not right.
These guys have nothing to do with your view of politics.

a, jalisco, mexico

I think you might want to blame Iran for supporting the insurgencey Jeremy. Whose fault will it be when they nuke Israel or NYC?

Mehdi Soloman, Berghaust, Sweden

I guess it's amnesia for liberals when they forget that the Clinton administration said exactly the same things about Iraq and WMD's. Pelosi called for regime change back in '98. But that doesn't fit the agenda now, does it? How are you going to spin it when terrorists get a nuke?

Ron, Moline, IL, US

This is a very sad turn of events.

Rob, Martins Ferry, USA

I wonder how Russell in Winnipeg knows that this story is false?

Elaine Jones Bonham, Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Who is the source? If you cannot name the source in this climate of lies and murder, torture,and illegal invasion and economic destruction, don't print this kind of article until you do.

Paul, San Antonio, USA

"An Iraqi militia leader said" or "according to two separate sources" and "one of the sources said" but "one of the sources has previously proved to be a reliable source of information..."

Does anyone notice this story is compiled from completely unknown people? Thanks Mr. Murdoch and theTimes.

bondy, Paris,

Its easy to compare the iraqi "intelligence debacle" with the intelligence against Iran. However, Iran is a totally different beast that shouldn't be confused with pre-invasion Iraq.

Adam, Cherryville,

How convenient !! While the americans are again beating the drums of war over Iran....here is the perfect excuse to begin invading another mid eastern country. I'm afraid this fake story just doesn't pass the smell test....nor the gag test.

Russell, winnipeg, canada

This newspaper proves again and again that its hunger for "scoops", trumps credibility. Uri Mahnaimi sounds like a mini Judith Miller

rudy, london, U.K.

I hope Jeremy does not live to rue his words. Words so cavalier over the hostage taking in Iraq by terrorist forces and given to another nation for who knows what purpose. Is Iran actually inviting attack? Does Iran actually believe that people like Jeremy can guarantee Iran's safety? Surely not!

Jake, doniphan, usa

rumors, if true --Give me a break

clarky, philly, usa

Seems entirely credible to me

Larry, New York City, USA

Prayers for the hostages. God love them!
FM, USA

M, Usa,

So, someone kidnaps 5 British citizens in Iraq, a Middle East source and a source in London say they are being held captive in Iran and somehow it is Bush's fault.
What gives???

Roger, Wesley Chapel, USA

Job is not done, Iraq is Lebanised.

H.Marph , London,

After the Iraq pre-war 'intelligence" debacle & with President Bush's steady drumbeat for war against Iran, stories such as this one seem a bit... not credible, to put it mildly.

Jeremy, Mississippi, USA