As usual britain is as helpless as before,threats does not make the iranians cowered in fear as they are use to that already,obviously england does not have now the capacity to launch a full scale war with iran at this stage and their only resort would be to ask the help of the americans,certainly the us are just to willing to strike hard at iran without hesitation if it senses world opinion is at their side and i think this is just what they are waiting for so long!

carly weather, dunedin, new zealand

To arms England! Americia is right behind you! Lets do it!

Jared, Chicago Heights , U.S.A

Do not make any threats towards Iran unless the threats will be carried out.
A threat not carried out shows terrible weakness.
Iran can smell weakness from a foot away!
Make every effort to avoid physical conflict,and only get into a fight,as a very last resort,but if a fight does happen it must be won,. This will not be easy,to say the very least.The opponents will be fanatics,and the hostages will be an ace in the hole for Iran.
Probably Britain can only look to America for on the ground support, In my judgement Europe has not got the will to fight and lose troops in Iran.

Nic Singlehurst, Royan, France

Iraq is a war zone. The boundaries of that zone are far from clear and the enemy is not one that is readily identifiable. Unlike the Americans, British forces including the Navy are operating to Rules of Engagement that are not in keeping with such circumstances. The Iranians are aware of this and took advantage of the fact that neither the personnel involved or their parent vessel was in a position to retaliate with force. Had that not have been the case, this incident - which quite clearly was a set-up - would likely not have occurred.

As for our Mr Blair, his response was far too little and far too late.

Richard Crow, Warsaw, Poland

Mr Blair has insisted it is simply not true that our chaps were in Iranian waters. Why don"t these beastly Iranians accept Mr. Blair"s word?. They surely cannot doubt the word of the British Prime Minister?.

Piggy Kruger, bridgwater, UK

Its time to get our boys back. We have plenty of hardware, why are we sitting back?

ben, birmingham,

There is a likley chance that this has been set up as a false flag opp to gain public support as well as many other reasons for going to war with Iran.

Murcus, London/uk,

What's the problem? Nobody in Britain or the international community took ANY action to object when Iran and its proxies kidnapped the Israeli soldiers [and the Israelis weren't even in a disputed location]. That signaled to iran, "no problem."

Robert Stevens, VA, USA,

It is possible they were in Iranian waters. Blair says not but that doesn’t mean anything. There is no reason to imagine they are being mistreated. All this huffing and puffing just plays into Iranian hands. Let things take their course.

Nick Wibberley, Neuvic-Entier, France

The Iranians would be more than happy to test their Russian new acquired land-sea missiles (Sunbird, Sizzler)upon UK flagships dangerously engaged in the Red Sea surrounded by moutains and caves which are ideal bunkers for the Iranian batteries. The Bristish frigates are no match against supersonic missiles fired from land. The West doesn't seem to be aware of the threat posed by the new generation technologies sold both the Chinese and the Russians to a vital ally that is the only remaining power to counter the growing anglo-saxon influence in the region. Does Iran want to profit from this obvious provocation to demonstrate its military capabilities and humiliate again the western world entangled in the Middle East?

Nicolas, Moscow,

Iran is looking for a war.

Jim Guastavino, Massapequa, NY

to john in dublin ... churchill had a fleet to send. hardly anyone seems to realise how tiny our armed forces are now. we simply can't do what you suggest. the reaosn? budget cuts, at a time when we are the most militarily involved in the world since the 2nd world war.
perhaps when people realise our 'navy' has no ships or submarines they might do something, but it'll be too late then.
here's an idea ... how about using one of those nuclear missiles we have lying round doing nothing to jolt the iranians ... only joking ;-)

alex, nottingham,

The utterly important thing now is to check the actual location where the terrible incident happened and provide the convincing evidence of it. Otherwise it is not good for both parts.

Hai, Shanghai, China

Just last week, an Iranian military commander wrote in their internal newspaper that Iranian's "have access to" bloned, blue-eyed Americans and can and will kidnap them. From the Iranian viewpoint, Americans and Britons are the same thing. There is no doubt as to this being a premedicated provocation. The Iranian regime is wildly unpopular with Iranians, has mismanaged practically every aspect of Iran's economy and is now apparently looking for a war in order to remain in power. Remember, these are the same individuals in power who dragged on the Iran-Iraq war unnecessarily in order to centralize their own power. The more Iran is ignored or appeased, the more dangerous the world becomes.

rkelly, Leesdale, maryland

The US and the rest of the UK navy couldn't do a thing because they were probably not in Iraqi waters. A lot of people are asking why no action (immediate retribution) was taken. Well here is the answer. Espionage. The question might be 'Why is Iranian law suddenly of no consequence in Iran to the UK?' How many Iranian sailors have ventured into the UK?

LawIsLaw, Oslo,

Re: Nikzad from Iran.

In our country we have three - the government, the nation and the media!

I look forward to the day when the new generations of both our countries can look back on these dark days with embarassment - similar to when the bride and groom at a wedding look on as their drunken fathers fight, because of their bloody minded pride and stubborness.

Mark, Woking, UK

What is Mr Blair going to do?. Get more resolutions from the UN?. If Maggie was in charge Iran's Navy would be sunk by now.

Desmond Taylor, Houston, TX

Go on and invade Iran already. I live in Alberta, we have lots of oil for sale. If you really want the price of oil to double or triple, that's alright with me. Soon I'll have my own solid gold bathtub...

Cliff, Edmonton, Canada

Shame on Commander Jeremy Woods for allowing 15 of those who trust in the Royal Navy for backup to be taken without challenge

Richard, Chicago, USA / IL

John in Dublin has it right!

To arms, my British friends, and, if I may say so, God save the Queen!

Judith M. Shimkus, St Louis, USA

I hope the Iranian's know who they are dealing with... George and Tony just want a reason for a war and Iran seems eager to oblige.

Eric, Mebane, US,NC

Iran can not refine its' own gasoline. Cut off their supplies until the Royal Marines and sailors are released.Otherwise give them 12 hours to release them, if not takeout one of their frigates.

Chuck, Gahanna, Ohio

Have all you war mongerers calling for Thathcher and Churchill forgotten that there are 15 lives at risk here along with many Iranian civilians.
This should be resolved by diplomatic means.
Also, are you all willing to pay more tax to fund a campaign in Iran??? I doubt it.

Simon, Sydney, Aus

What were these seamen doing there in the first place? Inspecting merchant ships in Iraqi waters? What if the Iraqi inspected merchant ships in British waters?

There is a serious amount of bluff on the British side that needs to be called. These places are simply not your colonies.

Are you really asking for it? Ok. Let's go to war then. If any of you shows their white face outside Europe, you'll find out the hard way what we think of you.

Chantra, Phnom Penh,

The whoe episode is a way to test the Western resolve. Iran is getting more belligerent by the day because it knows that the West cannot afford another Iraq. Just see what more havoc they will create if the West does not act firmly to reign in their behaviour now.

C W Chin, Alor Setar, Malaysia

they mess with our oil markets every week.

Could we please start messing with IRAN's food and water?

What do they like to eat and drink? Where do they get it ?

Why do we sanction arms when the whole region is a ammo depot...

Lets get brutal and brutally smart here............

bard, chicago, Illinois USA

My question for all this mess...is what was the british frigate doing during this action ? They have the radar to see the iranians coming and the capability to ward them off??? So where was the support for the troops ?? Pardon me if this sounds ignorant. There might very be an adequate answer that I have missed reading about. But it sounds very odd. Perhaps the commodore in charge would like to address this question. What were you doing when this event took place ?

Eric, Edmonton,

Some please help understand how this could happen - twice. I would have expected the Royal Navy to be closely supporting a team inspecting a cargo ship. Upon observing the Iranian ships approach, why wasn't the inspection team alerted so they could leave the area - easily out running or manuevering the large Iranian ships? Lost communications is unacceptable - even unbelievable.

Did the Iranians enter Iraqi waters? Why hasn't there been a big stink about that? Why hasn't the flotilla of US Navy ships and aircraft with advanced radar in theater shared the GPS coordinates of the inspection team? Do all parties agree on the coordinates of the incident but dispute whether its Iranian or Iraqi territory?

Jim, Algonquin, US, Illinois

All these Jingoistic.. Macho comments are not helpful.. How would you feel if it were your brother held in iran?

Paul, Liverpool, UK

Dear Sammy we should wait and see the result after almost 1 week and you'll see that they will be finally freed. But I'd like to help the readers to find out the truth about IRAN. Same as the other countries, IRAN is made of two sections 1-Our government and 2-Our nation.
Pls. be informed that these are two completely separated things. The Iranian government has destroyed the Iranian nation's reputation all over the world. No body is satisfied in IRAN except those people who are related to regime and use our country's wealth and facilities illegally. We don't hate American people. We don't like to kill innocent people. In addition you are completely influenced by the media and most of them don't present you with the right information about the Iranian people's aspects.
I hope the failure of current regime and friendly relationships with all other countries of the world in the future.

nikzad, Tehran, IRAN

I agree with the piece by piece dismantlement of the Iranian power structure. Start with either their oil refineries (60% of their petrol is imported) and the Republican Guard units that keep the iranian people from rising up to lynch the thugocracy that run the country. It would not take much to make the mullahs start fearing for their own lives.

Paul, Dallas, Australia

I have to second the opinion that Britain has become spineless. Though it is not just the UK, it is most of the western world. Iran is building the infrastructure needed to create nuclear weapons, they are the world's largest supporter of Islamic terrorism against the west, and they are behind the deaths of countless soldiers and civilians in Iraq.

What is the world’s response, stupid talk about meaningless sanctions against a few entities in country of millions of people. Of course they think the west is joke. They get to commit acts of war and we ignore them or play their game of negation that everyone knows is act. God save us when they actually get nukes and use them with in accordance with their radical beliefs. They will of course but you can’t get anyone to admit this obvious truth.

Jonathan Quinn, Springfield, U.S.A. Missouri

The first news I had of the incident was on TV, where the British frigate was described as "standing helpless by".
Why, I wonder ? So unsuitable for the shallow waters that it couldn't approach to defend the Royal Marines; but all there was, as Blair & Co have scrapped most of the navy ?
No ammunition ? Or , maybe, a captain terrified of actually opening fire by the thought of the army of lawyers employed to find fault with whatever he did?
Mr Blair, you have indeed left a legacy second to none.

L Stewart, Spalding, Lincolnshire

When will the world's great democracies, and the voters who enjoy those freedoms (while seemingly clueless as to how they came to their good fortune), finally learn that appeasment only brings more mischief from the bad guys? N. Chamberlain, W. Churchill, J. Carter, R. Reagan, M. Thatcher. Doesn't anyone read history anymore?

Kent Adams, Houston, Texas USA

With a large US and Britsih fleet presence in the Persian Gulf, it should be an easy task to block any sea traffic from entering or leaving Iranian ports, until the 15 sailors are set free unconditionally. Should any harm be done to the sailors, there is also a large air force presence in the area that can attack Iranian military (and perhaps nuclear) installations in Iran. Maybe this way, the many UN resolutions can be enforced without too much more palaver at the UN. How long will the civilised world accept the unacceptable behaviour of the Iranians?

Erik Meyer, Columbus, Ohio, USA

Why dont you look at both sides of the picture... Where were the news papers when US seized Iranians from their embassy in Iraq ... When Israel captured and killed thousands of palestenians ... when NATO kills hundreds of Afghanis daily ... when america and coalation forces kills hundreds and thousands of Iraqi daily ........ What is happening to this world ... when blood of american or israeli or british becomes more expensive than blood of iraqi or afghan or iranian.... This sure is sign of the end of the world .... the world powers should keep one thing in mind that there is a bigger power, God ... and when he will want he will take all the power from such countries ... I dont ask the govt but people plz open ur eyes .... look whats happening ... every person on this earth is our family .... look what is happeining to our family......

AM, Sapporo, Japan

Im suprised how dumb the leaders of countries like Iran etc,seem to always be,they know what happend to Iraq when they repeatedly challenged the west,yet they carry on down the same path.........Wait for the carpet bombing to start......spot the cruise missile etc.............all live on a TV near you.

007, lancs, England

If we don't get these sailors back, or if they are harmed in any way, then we should make Iran pay dearly. By that I mean military action. Britain should show Iran that this kind of action against our servicemen has seriously bad consequences.

John, Beijing, China

I agree with John of Dublin, Britain has no guts for a fight with Iran and they realise it.
Track record, We have taken no action against Iran for financing Hezbollah in Lebanon to destabolise the country and deliberately provoke a battle with Israel. The B.B.C. for one a Hezbollah sympathiser during the fighting, which Israel didn't start,did its best to promote an anti Israel position on its World Service programme. Why have other Arab countries not taken a position against Iran's aggressive attitude in the region including Iraq. It would help if they gave some comment on the current position.
But one gets the impression that they are afraid io do so.
Only two true Democracies exist in the region; Israel and Lebanon and curiously both face problems.

John.Gilmore, Chantilly, France

Ahmadinejad has dared to kick the British Lion in the backside...and, doubtless, he fully believes that he can pull its tail as well.

This is a crucial moment for Britain's reputation in the world.

It is, shall we say.... a Margaret Thatcher moment in history!

A. G. Gumbs, Glendale Heights, IL., USA

And what business do you englishmen have in Iraqs/Irans
waters,and their territory?
I still remember the news of your boys in clad in Iraqi
clothes with a massive amount of explosives!
Who/what were they trying to blow up?
Stirring up things,perhaps so you could motivate you very,very lengthy prescense there...
That oil is worth killing for...

Mortel Hude, jerusalem, Palestine

Tony Blair is weak, he should have already arranged for the rescue of these British service personnel by allowing the SAS to go in and get them they are the best in the world at what they do, we should not be messing about behind politics at a time like this deploy the men and let them do their job and bring our service men and women home.
Britich politics have depicted that they are unsure of what the role of the SAS is in the future well this is it, its what they train for and its what they are the best in thw world at, no political debate lets see if Blair has what it takes to save these service people, he certainly has the means at his disposal ! lets see him use them.

ian, Hereford ,

Appeasement equals weakness and invites more aggression. The Iranians should be taught a short, sharp, hard lesson, but Blair just does not have the backbone.

PCM, Ipswich, UK

I believe Tony Blair when he says that the boat was in Iraqi waters. They would have a last contact time along with GPS position, speed and heading, and from the top speed of the boat they would know where it might have been at the time of its capture, and also a maximum radius for its location at that time. In other words, they must be certain it was not in Iranian waters.

That being said, why are the Iranians being provocative right now? Is the religious leadership responsible for this, or do they merely believe the thugs that work for them? Or is it a test of Western resolve?

Whatever the reason, Britain should respond with at least as much violent force as it did in the Falklands. Does Tony Blair have the balls that Maggie Thatcher did?

Larry Maler, Tampa, Florida

John, how can you possibly think that by using force to "dismantle from afar" Iranian assets we would bring a satisfactory conclusion to this crisis? We already know how Iran responds to threats and punitive measures - with increased belligerence and anti-western rhetoric.

The first step has to be to ensure the safe return of the hostages. How would you explain the summary execution of our troops to their families after we have attacked Iran?

Action for action's sake solves nothing.

Laurence, Lincoln,

Arrogance may cost the lives of innocent men in general, but ignorance is completely blind, as are your comments "Darrel". Iran has shown to be a hostile regime with intentions to destroy Israel and the US if it could do so. They not only hate the US regime, but the American people, any non-Muslim society and our way of life. They would not hesitate to "extend the Caliphate" and and kill innocent Americans if the opportunity presented itself. How could someone compare Ahmadinejads' actions to Bush's? It's absurd. In addition, it is NOT the policy of the US government to torture soldiers from other countries. We usually reserve these types of tactics against people who have committed mass atrocities on the scale of 9/11 in order to prevent similar future attacks. Do you understand this? It's unfortunate that the internet has become a forum for a anyone with an uniformed and skewed opinion to spout off.

Sammy, North Brunswick, NJ

Would someone Please STAND UP FOR BRITAIN, stop this nonsense. The iranian people are held captive by there own governement which has now kidnapped 15 British sailors. Where is Maggie Thatcher or Churchill ? These terrorist's in Iran only understand force. You may talk all daylight long and it si for nothing. Send in the SAS.
God save the Queen

JERRY MCCULLOUGH, St.Catharines, Ontario, Canada, CANADA

This is obviously the British forces making an accidental border crossing. With Iran and Brittan not being best mates this year the Iranians did what they have every legal right to do board and capture!
If this was a Iranian Military boat in British waters Western media would be talking war!
All this talk about war with Iran is quite silly, USA GB etc. can't hold down Iraq Imagine the costs of a war with Iran where the entire populous is against you? Could the USA deal with loosing an air craft carrier? Iran may be worth a lot in Oil but its not worth how much the US would have to spend on another "Cake walk"
So with what Iran is trying to do here was tell Brittan to keep out of its international waters then "Mission Accomplished!"

Raph, Christchurch, New Zealand

I think since our fellow britons are being held captive other EU-countries should also send their most severe warning to Iranians that they shall run out of air if they continue that game. And some additional warships to the area could help. Maybe those peaceful Iranians are indeed showing their real face now.

Timo, Tampere, Finland

The British marines were operating from a Royal Navy frigate in a routine boarding operation. How close was the RN ship and why did it take no action? Or did it.? That class of frigate, unless I am mistaken, also carries a helicopter. Could this "away" party have been afforded any sort of protection? Perhaps the frigate could not enter the waterway where operations were underway but it was certainly very close.

Joseph Scott, Manhattan, USA

Force protection afforded to British military personnel is clearly, embarrassingly inadequate. The British military has ignored the lessons of the June 2004 abduction by Iran of 8 British servicemen with predictable results. Is it the policy of the British government to deliberately send its military into harms way without sufficient planning and force to protect them from belligerent parties? Is it the duty of British service personnel to serve as docile hostages to hostile powers? What fool of a British citizen would willing serve under those conditions?

Richard, Overland Park, KS

The most cursory glance at the Geneva Convention informs that the sailors cannot be charged with espionage: 46 (2) "A member of the armed forces........ shall not be considered as engaging in espionage if, while so acting, he is in the uniform of his armed forces ".
So where is all the usual hysteria that occurs when the Geneva Convention is perceived to have been broken? Or does it only happen when Americans are perceived as breaking it?

Guy Thornton, Cirencester, England

Wishing a speedy resolves to this issue is what we all want. And everyone, both sides, to be back in their own country. Can anyone tell me why it is acceptable for Israel to have nuclear weapons and yet Iran not. Having watched the turmoils in the Isreali Leadership of late I am concerned that if some very strong 'do or die' type took control what is the difference between Iran and Israel then. Surely the UN should be asking for all parties in the middle east to hand over the Nuclear Weapons - this would make a greater case for the UN when confronting Iran, or anyone else who may be thinking of going along those lines of development - and I doubt Iran is alone. Then I would go further and ask India and Pakistan to do likewise. If it is protection they seek from foreign powers the UN should as a worldwide power have Nuclear capability. Then every member of the UN is under the same umberalla. Like Nato. Just because a country is a friend today has no certainty of being the same tommorow.

Paul, London, Canada

What is the real story? Iranian troops would only take Britons under orders from highest level in Teheran. This was planned. But why? What has Iran not obtained from the UK that results in such a move? Or is it simply a measure to irritate London? No reaction from London - except words - proves that the incident is only that: an irritant. Great propaganda for a diabolical state but hardly critical: had London been seriously peeved, reprisals, real discomfort would have been inflicted by a fearsome, unforgiving Britain. This whole disastrous Iraq episode has done nothing to resolve the danger we face from Iran and other heinous states. Except to further muddle fuddled Washington and London. And now this. Teheran laughs. We lose. Why? What is the real story?

Hugh, Vale Janelas,

The Iranian regime has made a serious mistake this time and there will be consequences. They should know that there is a cost associated with this type of posturing.

Andy, Atlanta, GA, USA

i dont know what can i say...

Rocco Mancusi, madrid , spain

This is clearly in response to the capture of senior Iranian Revolutionary Guard operatives in Iraq. I agree that Iran sees Britain as the weak link, but also, in removing the Iraqi regime & Taliban, we have provided Iran with everything it needed to be the regional superpower. Unfortunately it is becoming obvious that sooner or later, Iran will need to be dealt with in a militarily.

Paul, Vancouver, BC

Clearly the Iranians committed a premeditated hostile act . It ws of course timed to co-incide with a UN vote on their nuclear program. If there ever was any doubt Iran about it - Iran has clearly demonstrated that in addition to being a sponsor of terrorism it is also a terrorist state in its own right with no regard for international law.

Grant, Scarsdale , New York, USA

Iran has shown it's true colours. Nuclear weapons at any price. Let's sort it out properly this time and don't blame America for the flawed ideals of the UN. Stand up to a bully or pick up the pieces later. Make your choice.

Chris, Letchworth, UK

It seems incoceivable to me that Britain (that used to be Great) can accept this act of naked aggression towards its soldiers - ultimatum must be made and followed up with action, if Iran does not release the Marines - appeasement has NEVER worked and will not work in this case either.

Lars, Newport Beach, CA

Where is Thatcher when needed?

larry gooch, baton rouge , louisiana usa

If Iran is looking for trouble then let them Have their wish NOW!

Richard A. Vitagliano, Orange beach, U.S.A./Alabama

War is no answer. Never. It's always the same dirty game tough talk and dumb actions.

Jason Smith, London,

What would Churchill have done? Do that. We have your back.

Michael, Denver, Colorado, USA

Blockade for their tankers until soldiers are released

Donald Klinestiver, Milton, wv

If Blair said these servicemen were in Iran waters would it not be then certain that they were in Iraqi waters based on previous statements he has issued? This is why the UK has lost all ground when acting as a political, moral and social spokesperson for what is right in the world.

Paul, London, Canada

Send in the Navy, the SAS , Paras and get our Sailors out od harm's way. Long live Britannia. God save the Queen

JERRY MCCULLOUGH, St.Catharines, Ontario, Canada, CANADA

Blockade for their tankers until soldiers are released

Donald Klinestiver, Milton, wv

The sailors may have indeed strayed into Iranian waters. However, it is obvious the espionage charge is fabricated. In light of the fact that Iran isn't a belligerent in the Iraq War and claims to be "peaceful," I fail to see why they are holding these Royal Marines--unless they are being held as hostages in exchange for prisoners Iran would like to have returned.

I would say this is outrageous behavior on the part of Iran but, if the Iranians have proven one thing in the past, it is that they are very inclined to pull stunts like this on governments which they see as week and indecisive.

Good luck, my British friends! I hope you get your guys back soon--by whatever means necessary.

D. Kane, Savannah, GA

What was the Commander of the Royal Navy ship doing !
Surely the order should have been given to "beat to quarters" and the Iranian boats challenged.

Frank, Epsom, UK

15 for 300

Alexander, Perseplois,

Quite what our glorious PM is going to achieve by warning Iran is beyond me. Forcing it's hand is beyond us and tough talk is just that. It's trousers down time and no amount of posturing is going to change that.

Paul McCloskey, London, England

Is it just me or has Britain become spineless lately. The Iranians certainly think so! If churchill was still alive he'd have the entire fleet sitting outside these upstarts' ports letting them know whats what. This is the 2nd time this has happened, and it's ridiculous.
Iran uses dipolmacy as a stall tactic, and they are going to use this to embarrase and humilate those Royal Marines.
My offer would be that our subs and destroyers will take out one military base and airfield at a time untill our sailors and marines are safely returned. The Navy has cruise missiles, the RAF have their shiney new Typhoons, and the Army have their new longbow apachees. Why not put them to use rather than gawking at them!
We dont have to invade, rather, dismantle from afar. The Iranians are training terrorists in iraq to kill British troops, so we have plenty of justification.
No, Im not a war monger but I think its time to put the "Great" back in Great Britan and stand up for ourselves!

john, Dublin, Ireland

"A Tehran-based news agency, Fars, claimed the seamen have admitted illegally sailing into Iranian waters and that satellite tracking systems on the British boats proved they were inside Iranian territory."

Either this is true or it isn't.
If it isn't - and the despicable attitude of these people suggests that (holocaust satire, anyone?) - they've just gone one further step down the road towards worldwide understanding of their hostile depravity.

Joe, Manchester,